The Bauchi State Police Command has rescued a middle-aged man who was allegedly confined and kept in chains by his biological father for about 17 years in Shadawanka village, Bauchi Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

According to a statement issued by the Spokesperson of the Command, SP Nafiu Habib, the victim, identified as Muhammad Lawan, popularly known as Babangida, was rescued on Sunday, February 16, 2026, following a report from a good Samaritan who alerted the authorities to his condition.

A team of detectives from the Bauchi State Police Command, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of ‘B’ Division, accompanied by the Spokesperson visited the residence where the man was reportedly held.

The officers found the victim in an emaciated state and immediately rescued him.

The victim’s father, Mohammed Lawan, has been arrested and is currently in police custody. The rescued man has been taken to a hospital for medical treatment and rehabilitation.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has directed the DPO to carry out a preliminary investigation into the incident.

He further ordered that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a thorough investigation into the alleged inhumane treatment.

The police said further details would be made available as investigations progress.