The Bauchi State Police Command has rescued a middle-aged man who was allegedly confined and kept in chains by his biological father for about 17 years in Shadawanka village, located in Bauchi Local Government Area.
In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, Nafiu Habib, the victim, identified as Muhammad Lawan, popularly known as Babangida, was rescued on Sunday, February 16, 2026, after a concerned resident alerted authorities to his condition.
Detectives from the Command, led by the Divisional Police Officer of ‘B’ Division and accompanied by the spokesperson, visited the residence where the man was reportedly held and found him in an emaciated condition. He was immediately freed and taken for medical attention.
The victim’s father, Mohammed Lawan, has been arrested and is currently in police custody, while the rescued man is receiving treatment and rehabilitation at a medical facility.
The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has directed the Divisional Police Officer to conduct a preliminary investigation and ordered that the matter be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a comprehensive probe into the alleged inhumane treatment.
Police authorities say further details will be released as investigations progress.