DSS Arrests Three More Suspects Over Kidnap of NSUK Professor in Lafia

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested three additional suspects allegedly linked to the kidnapping of Professor Samuel Avengbe Okunsebor, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK).

The latest arrests were reportedly carried out on Friday night at a local brothel around the Mararaban Akunza axis of the Lafia-Makurdi highway, according to reports by Nasarawa Journalist.

Professor Okunsebor was abducted in the early hours of Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Mile Uku, a border community between Lafia and Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State.

The university don was subsequently rescued by DSS operatives two days after his abduction. Two suspects, including a woman, were arrested during the rescue operation.

A security source said the latest arrests had increased the number of suspects apprehended in connection with the kidnapping to five.

The newly arrested suspects were identified as 25-year-old Yakubu Abubakar, popularly known as Black/Starboy, from the Doemak tribe in Plateau State; 37-year-old Usman Abubakar Mairiga; and 27-year-old Sale Babauro Abubakar.

The source identified Mairiga as Hausa and Sale Babauro Abubakar as Fulani.

The three suspects are currently being held at the DSS State Command for further investigation.

The security source further disclosed that their continued detention was backed by a valid detention warrant issued by a magistrate’s court as investigations into the kidnapping continue.