The Bauchi State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a man accused of chaining and confining his biological son for 17 years in a case that has drawn widespread condemnation.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday, noting that the victim, identified as Muhammad Lawan, popularly known as Babangida, has been rescued and taken to a hospital for medical treatment.
According to Habib, police received a tip-off from a concerned citizen on February 16, 2026, at about 4:20 p.m., alleging that Lawan had been confined in his father’s house for nearly two decades without adequate care.
“On 16th February, 2026, at about 1620hrs, information was received from a good Samaritan that one Muhammad Lawan, popularly known as Babangida, had been confined by his biological father in his house for 17 years without care,” the statement read.
He said detectives from the ‘B’ Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer and accompanied by the Police Public Relations Officer, visited the scene and rescued the victim.
“The team successfully rescued the very emaciated victim, who had been leg-chained and confined for years,” Habib added.
The police spokesperson confirmed that the suspect has been arrested and is currently in custody, while the victim is receiving medical attention and rehabilitation on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu.
“The victim has been taken to the hospital for proper medical attention and rehabilitation as directed by the Commissioner of Police,” he said.
He further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police has ordered a preliminary investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged inhumane treatment, after which the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a comprehensive probe.
