[VIDEO] Doctor identifies own kidnappers at hospital in Edo, suspects arrested

Two men suspected of kidnapping a medical doctor in Auchi, Edo State, and killing his younger brother have been arrested after the doctor reportedly recognised them at the hospital where he works.

Sources said the suspects unknowingly brought their children to the same hospital for treatment on Tuesday night. While attending to patients, Dr. Abu Ibrahim Babatunde allegedly spotted the men and alerted authorities, leading to their arrest.

“The doctor walked into the ward, saw them and immediately recognised them as the people who kidnapped him,” a source said.

Dr. Babatunde and his brother, Abu Tahir, were abducted on January 2, 2026, at their residence on City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, Auchi, while opening the gate to their compound.

Days later, on January 5, the body of his younger brother was discovered near Orley River along the same road. He was believed to have been killed by the abductors.

The doctor regained his freedom on January 15 after his family paid a N50 million ransom raised through contributions from family members, friends, NGOs and other well-wishers.

His father had said the ransom was paid in two instalments of N20 million and N30 million. Dr. Babatunde also sustained a gunshot wound to the leg during captivity and received medical treatment after his release.

Vigilantes who reportedly tracked the kidnappers had earlier informed the family that one of the suspects was injured in a gun battle before the victim was freed.

A video circulating online shows two handcuffed men inside what appears to be a police charge room, identified as the suspects in the case.

Watch video below: