Former Katsina Governor’s Ex-Aide Arrested Over Alleged Kidnap Ransom Share

By: Zagazola Makama 

Security operatives in Katsina State have arrested a former Senior Special Adviser on Community Development to the state governor, Nuru Aliyu Garwa, over alleged links to a kidnapping syndicate operating in the state.

Security sources disclosed that the suspect, who recently resigned from his appointment to contest for a seat in the State House of Assembly, was arrested on May 24 following an ongoing investigation into the abduction of an eight-year-old boy.

According to the sources, the victim was abducted on May 13 while returning home from a Quranic school.

The kidnappers reportedly contacted the family and initially demanded a ransom of N50 million before negotiations reduced the amount to N17 million, which was eventually paid.

The sources said the family later contacted the Violent Crime Response Unit in Katsina State, which commenced a discreet investigation into the incident.

Preliminary investigation reportedly led to the arrest of six suspected members of the kidnapping syndicate on May 23.

“The arrest of the initial suspects provided further intelligence that led operatives to the alleged kingpin identified as Nuru Aliyu Garwa,” the sources said.

Security operatives who searched the suspect’s residence reportedly recovered N7.5 million cash concealed inside a “Ghana-Must-Go” bag, believed to be part of the ransom proceeds.

The sources added that investigators also recovered a motorcycle allegedly used for operational activities by the gang, alongside other items considered relevant to the investigation.

The suspect is currently in custody while investigations continue to determine the full extent of his alleged involvement and identify other possible accomplices linked to the kidnapping network.

The incident has generated widespread reactions within the state, particularly due to the suspect’s previous role in government and his political aspirations.