The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested three additional suspects in connection with the kidnapping of the Dean of Agriculture at Nasarawa State University, Professor Samuel Avengbe Okunsebor.
The suspects were reportedly arrested on Friday night at a local brothel around Mararaban Akunza, along the Lafia Makurdi highway, according to a security source involved in the investigation.
The latest arrests followed the rescue of Okunsebor by DSS operatives, two days after he was abducted by gunmen on July 15, 2026, at Mile Uku, a border community between Lafia and Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Areas. Two other suspects, including a woman, were arrested during the rescue operation.
The newly arrested suspects were identified as 25-year-old Yakubu Abubakar, also known as Black or Starboy; 37-year-old Usman Abubakar Mairiga; and 27-year-old Sale Babauro Abubakar. The three are currently being held by the DSS state command for further investigation.
The source said their detention was authorised by a magistrate’s court through a valid detention warrant. The latest arrests bring to five the number of suspects apprehended in connection with the university don’s abduction.
Okunsebor’s rescue and the arrests form part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to dismantle the network behind the kidnapping.
