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Police Arrest Three Suspects in Northern Ghana Following GH¢100,000 Ransom Kidnapping

Police in the Northern Region have arrested three men suspected of orchestrating the kidnapping of Ayuba Sumiya Mawudu, a resident of Dobini Bunban near Yendi. The suspects—identified as Mahumudu Abdulai, 32; Ganiu Sumaila, 32; and Abdulai Salam, 28—were taken into custody on September 29, 2026, following an investigation sparked by the victim’s successful escape from his captors. The arrests come at a time of heightened security vigilance in the region as law enforcement intensifies efforts to dismantle organized criminal networks. The ordeal began on September 25, 2026, when Mawudu, also known as Haruna, was abducted from his home by a group of armed men. The kidnappers subsequently contacted his family and demanded a ransom of GH¢100,000 for his safe release. However, the situation took a decisive turn when Mawudu managed to flee his captors. He was discovered and assisted by local farmers, who provided the necessary support to ensure he reached a health facility and could eventually contact the authorities to report the crime. Upon reporting the matter to the Northern Regional Police Command, Mawudu was able to identify his alleged captors through photographic evidence provided by investigators. This led to a coordinated operation in Sang, located within the Mion District, where the three suspects were apprehended at different locations. Preliminary police investigations suggest that the trio may be linked to several other robbery incidents and violent crimes that have plagued the area in recent months, indicating they may be part of a broader criminal syndicate. This case highlights a disturbing trend of kidnapping-for-ransom within the Yendi-Mion-Bimbilla corridor, a development that has caused significant alarm among local residents and security agencies. Law enforcement officials have noted that the frequent use of firearms and the demand for substantial sums of money point toward increasingly sophisticated organized crime operations. As investigations continue to uncover the full extent of the suspects' activities, regional authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to help curb the growing threat in Northern Ghana.