By Nworisa Michael
The Bauchi State Police Command has rescued a middle-aged man who was allegedly confined and kept in leg chains by his father for about 17 years in Shadawanka village, Bauchi Local Government Area.
The incident came to light following a report received by the police at about 4:20 p.m. on February 16, 2026, from a concerned resident. The caller alleged that the victim, identified as Muhammad Lawan, popularly known as Babangida, had been locked inside his father’s house for nearly two decades without proper care.
Acting on the tip-off, detectives led by the Divisional Police Officer of ‘B’ Division visited the residence and rescued the man. Police sources described the victim as severely emaciated at the time of the rescue.
The Command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, confirmed the development in a statement issued on February 16.
The victim’s father, Mohammed Lawan, has been arrested and is currently in police custody as investigations continue.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has directed that the rescued man be taken to a medical facility for urgent treatment and rehabilitation. He also ordered that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further probe.
Police said investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the alleged long-term confinement.
