Niger Police Arrest 29-Year-Old Man Over Alleged Plot to Kill Farmer, Take Over Farmland

The Niger State Police Command has arrested a 29-year-old man, Godwin Yahaya, over an alleged conspiracy to kidnap and kill a farmer, Jonah Isah, and subsequently take over his farmland in Munya Local Government Area of Niger State.

According to the police, the suspect allegedly contracted a man identified as Bashiru, who is currently at large, in 2024 to abduct the farmer for ransom. Investigators alleged that the arrangement later resulted in the farmer’s death and the abduction of several members of his family.

The development was disclosed by the Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, in a crime bulletin issued on Saturday, October 10, 2026.

How the Alleged Kidnapping and Killing Happened

The police said the incident occurred in Zawudna village, Munya Local Government Area, on June 26, 2026, when suspected kidnappers allegedly invaded the farmer’s residence at about midnight.

The attackers reportedly killed Isah and abducted members of his family alongside three other persons. The abductors were said to have demanded ₦2.1 million as ransom before the victims were eventually released.

According to the police, the investigation gained momentum after some of the rescued victims allegedly identified Yahaya as the person who contracted the kidnappers to carry out the operation.

The victims reportedly told investigators that their captors had identified Yahaya as the person behind the alleged arrangement.

Suspect Arrested Following Investigation

The police disclosed that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) attached to the Kuchi area arrested Yahaya on September 27, 2026.

He was subsequently transferred to the Sarkin-Pawa Police Division for investigation.

During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to contracting Bashiru in 2024 to abduct the farmer so that they could collect ransom and share the proceeds, according to the police.

The police further alleged that subsequent investigations revealed that Yahaya took over the deceased farmer’s farmland for personal use after his death.

These allegations are part of an ongoing investigation, and the suspect’s guilt has not been established by a court.

Police Intensify Efforts to Arrest Suspected Accomplices

The Niger State Police Command said the suspect is undergoing further investigation at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Minna.

The police also disclosed that efforts were ongoing to apprehend Bashiru and other suspected accomplices linked to the alleged kidnapping and killing.

The investigation is expected to establish the full circumstances surrounding the farmer’s death, the alleged conspiracy and the subsequent occupation of his farmland.

Land Disputes and Insecurity Raise Concerns

The case has drawn attention to the dangers of violent crime involving alleged kidnapping, ransom demands and disputes over land ownership.

Beyond the reported loss of life, the alleged takeover of the farmer’s land raises concerns about the vulnerability of rural farmers and their families to criminal attacks.

Farmers play an important role in Nigeria’s food supply, and insecurity in rural communities can disrupt agricultural activities, threaten livelihoods and discourage investment in farming.

The allegations in this case also underline the importance of thorough investigations, effective prosecution and the protection of landowners against unlawful dispossession.

While the arrest represents a development in the investigation, the whereabouts of the principal alleged accomplice, Bashiru, remain a concern as police efforts to apprehend other suspects continue.

The suspect will be entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

By Joseph Iyaji

Akahi News