Operatives of the Department of State Services have arrested three more suspects linked to the kidnapping of Professor Samuel Avengbe Okunsebor, Dean of Agriculture at Nasarawa State University.
The latest arrests took place on Friday night at a local brothel around Mararraban Akunza, along the Lafia-Makurdi highway, according to a security source involved in the investigation.
The suspects were identified as 25-year-old Yakubu Abubakar, also known as Black/Starboy; 37-year-old Usman Abubakar Mairiga; and 27-year-old Sale Babauro Abubakar.
The source said the suspects are currently in the custody of the DSS state command for further investigation. Their detention followed a valid warrant issued by a magistrate’s court.
The latest arrests bring the number of suspects apprehended over the incident to five.
Gunmen abducted Professor Okunsebor in the early hours of Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Mile Uku. The area is a border community between Lafia and Nasarawa-Eggon Local Government Areas.
DSS operatives rescued the university don two days after the abduction. During the rescue operation, security agents also arrested two suspects, including a woman.
The latest arrests indicate that security agencies are continuing efforts to identify and apprehend other people allegedly connected to the kidnapping.
The investigation is ongoing as the DSS works to establish the roles of the suspects and determine whether more arrests will follow.
