The Northern Regional Police Command in Ghana has arrested three suspected kidnappers in connection with the abduction of a man at Dobini Bunban, a farming community near Yendi. The suspects, identified as Mahumudu Abdulai, Ganiu Sumaila, and Abdulai Salam, were arrested at different locations in Sang on September 29, 2026. According to the police, the suspects allegedly abducted Ayuba Sumiya Mawudu, alias Haruna, who was attacked at his residence on September 25 by four armed men.
The abduction occurred when the victim was attacked at his residence by four armed men, who also assaulted his brother before taking Mr. Mawudu to an undisclosed location. The suspects later contacted the victim's family and demanded GH¢100,000 for his release. Fortunately, Mr. Mawudu managed to escape from his captors and was assisted by some farmers in Sambu, who took him to a health facility for medical attention.
Police officers who proceeded to the facility engaged the victim, who told them he had been held under guard by armed men before escaping. The Police say the victim subsequently identified all three suspects from photographs. This identification led to the arrest of the suspects, who are now assisting the police with investigations.
Preliminary investigations have established alleged links between the suspects and other robbery incidents in the area. The three suspects remain in Police custody, while efforts are underway to arrest other accomplices and establish the full circumstances surrounding the abduction. The police are working to uncover the extent of the suspects' involvement in other crimes.
The latest case adds to a series of kidnapping-for-ransom incidents reported in parts of Northern Ghana, particularly along the eastern corridor covering areas around Yendi, Mion, Bimbilla, Zabzugu, and Saboba. These incidents have raised concerns about the security situation in the region and the possible links to organised criminal activity.
In December 2025, police rescued a kidnapping victim at Wapuli after his family was allegedly asked to pay GH¢100,000. Three suspects were arrested initially, with GH¢70,000 believed to be part of the ransom recovered. A fourth suspect was subsequently arrested, and the four men were later convicted by the Tamale High Court Two and sentenced to eight years' imprisonment with hard labour each for kidnapping and related offences.
The recurrence of kidnapping-for-ransom cases in Northern Ghana indicates that it remains a security concern in the region. The repeated appearance of the Yendi-Mion-Bimbilla corridor in reported cases, alongside substantial ransom demands and the alleged use of firearms, has raised concerns about possible links to organised criminal activity.
Key points
- Three suspected kidnappers arrested in connection with abduction of man near Yendi
- Suspects demanded GH¢100,000 for victim's release
- Case part of series of kidnapping-for-ransom incidents in Northern Ghana
