A Magistrates’ Court in Kaduna has ordered the remand of two men, identified as 23-year-old Danladi Usman and 26-year-old Nasir Ahmed, in a correctional facility over allegations that they kidnapped two children from their home in Millennium City, Kaduna.

The defendants, whose residential addresses were not disclosed in court, are standing trial on charges of criminal conspiracy and kidnapping. The prosecution alleges that they acted together with another suspect who is still at large.

Presiding Magistrate Ibrahim Emmanuel declined to take their plea, explaining that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the substantive charge of kidnapping, which carries a capital punishment under Kaduna State law. He ordered that the two men be remanded in a correctional centre while the case undergoes further legal review.

The magistrate directed the police to forward the case file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice. The outcome of that review will determine whether the suspects are to be formally arraigned before a higher court with the power to try capital offences.

Police prosecutor Inspector Chidi Leo told the court that the incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on May 24, when the two children were allegedly taken from their parents’ residence in Millennium City. According to him, the abduction was carried out with the intention of demanding ransom from the family.

Leo said vigilant neighbours noticed suspicious movements around the house and promptly alerted the police. Acting on the tip-off, officers tracked down the suspects, rescued the children unharmed and arrested the two men now before the court. The third suspect reportedly fled and is being sought by investigators.

The prosecutor stated that the alleged offences contravene Section 247 of the Kaduna State Penal Code, 2020, as amended. The provision prescribes the death penalty upon conviction for kidnapping in circumstances such as those outlined by the police.

The case has been adjourned for mention, pending the DPP’s advice on whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial in a higher court. In the meantime, the two defendants will remain in custody while police continue efforts to apprehend the remaining suspect and gather additional evidence.