Nasarawa Varsity Dean’s Abduction: DSS Makes Fresh Arrests, Nabs Three Suspects

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested three additional suspects in connection with the abduction of the Dean of Agriculture at Nasarawa State University, Prof. Samuel Avengbe Okunsebor.

The latest arrests bring to five the number of suspects reportedly taken into custody over the kidnapping of the university don.

Okunsebor was abducted by gunmen in the early hours of July 15, 2026, at Mile Uku, a community situated between Lafia and Nasarawa-Eggon Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State.

He was rescued two days later by DSS operatives during an operation that also led to the arrest of two suspected members of the kidnapping gang, including a woman.

A security source said the three additional suspects were apprehended on Friday night at a local brothel around Mararraban Akunza, along the Lafia-Makurdi highway, following intelligence gathered during the investigation.

The 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.

According to the source, the arrests followed intelligence-led investigations into the circumstances surrounding the lecturer’s abduction.

The source, who spoke to The Nation, said the suspects were being held at the DSS Nasarawa State Command for further investigation.

He added that the agency secured a valid detention warrant from a magistrate’s court to keep the suspects in custody.

The DSS had earlier arrested two other suspected members of the gang during the operation that resulted in Okunsebor’s rescue.