Notorious Kano Kidnapper, Usman Lawan Baba Nabbed After Two-Year Manhunt

Usman Lawan Baba, infamously known as Yellow, a notorious kidnapper and armed robber, has confessed to his crimes in police custody in Kano. He named several accomplices and partners in crime, two years after kidnapping and robbing a village head in the state.

The 27-year-old self-confessed criminal hails from Dakatsalle, Zango Ranka, Bebeji Local Government Area of Kano State.

Kano State Police Command spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, revealed that Usman was arrested on 2 October 2025 in connection with the kidnapping and armed robbery of the Village Head of Garun Babba, Alhaji Abdulmumini Mudi Zakari, aged 41. The incident occurred on 9 August 2023.

During the incident, the village head was abducted and robbed of ₦2,750,000, a Tecno Kevo 4 handset, and a wristwatch.

However, the relentless efforts of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad led to the rescue of the victim as the suspects attempted to flee the area.

Usman Lawan Baba confessed to the crime and admitted receiving ₦6,000 as his share of the stolen money. He also named his accomplices, including:

Bello Kici-Kici of Falgore Village, Doguwa Local Government Area, who was neutralised by police during a kidnapping operation in Jigawa State. An AK-47 rifle was recovered at the scene.

Mallam Sale of Gezawa Local Government Area, who was neutralised by police during an armed robbery incident in Gezawa, Kano State.

Ruwa Shehu of Gafan Village, Bebeji Local Government Area, currently serving time in a correctional facility for a kidnapping-related offence.

Other accomplices, including Ibrahim Gwanja, Sule Naye, and an unidentified individual, have also been linked to the case and are under further investigation.

The suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended the public for their continued support and cooperation in the fight against crime. He also praised the outstanding efforts of the operatives involved in the arrest.

Bakori reiterated the Command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents of Kano State.

He encouraged the public to report suspicious activities or emergencies via the following emergency lines: 08032419754, 08123821575, or 09029292926.