Father allegedly confines, chains son for 17 years in Bauchi
Bauchi Police Rescue Man Confined for 17 Years
Bauchi, Nigeria — The Bauchi State Police Command has announced the rescue of a middle-aged man who was allegedly held in chains by his father for nearly 17 years in Shadawanka village, Bauchi Local Government Area.
According to a statement from police spokesperson SP Nafiu Habib, the victim, identified as Muhammad Lawan—commonly known as Babangida—was freed on Sunday, February 16, 2026, after a concerned citizen alerted authorities to his situation.
A team of detectives, led by the Divisional Police Officer of the ‘B’ Division, visited the location where Lawan was reportedly confined. Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim in a severely malnourished condition and facilitated his immediate rescue.
The man’s father, Mohammed Lawan, has since been apprehended and is in police custody. The rescued individual has been transported to a hospital for medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Commissioner of Police Sani-Omolori Aliyu has instructed the DPO to conduct a preliminary investigation into the matter. He has also ordered the case to be forwarded to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a comprehensive inquiry into the alleged mistreatment.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.
