Traditional Ruler Accused of Kidnapping, Rape, and Collecting N20 Million Ransom in Daura Emirate
By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | Katsina Times
A traditional ruler under the Daura Emirate, Iliya Mantau—known as the Acting Village Head of Yan Maulu in Baure Local Government Area of Katsina State—is facing serious allegations of involvement in the abduction of a married woman and her three-month-old baby, rape, and collecting a ₦20 million ransom.
According to reports, the incident occurred nearly a year ago when suspected bandits abducted Zulaihatu Sidi and her infant son. Though they were released after a week following the payment of the ransom, Zulaihatu was allegedly raped during the ordeal.
The case has stirred outrage in Yan Maulu, prompting a protest by local youths demanding justice for the victim and her child.
Muhammad Abdullahi, who led the protest, told journalists, “It’s now a year since Zulaihatu and her baby were kidnapped. Even after the ransom was paid, she was sexually assaulted. We are convinced that high-profile individuals are complicit, including our acting village head, Iliya Mantau.”
Abdullahi further revealed that eight people have been arrested in connection with the incident, most of them from Mantau village. Among the accused is Iliya Mantau, who serves as the representative of the District Head of Yan Maulu and is alleged to be a key figure in the kidnapping syndicate operating in the area.
However, the protesters expressed concern that despite the suspects being charged to court, the Daura Emirate is reportedly pushing for the release of the embattled chief, a move they described as alarming.
“That is why we have taken to the streets—to voice our displeasure over attempts by the Emirate to interfere with the judicial process and secure the release of the acting village head,” said Abdullahi.
They appealed to Katsina State Governor Dikko Umar Radda to personally intervene to ensure justice is served and that all those involved are held accountable without political interference.
As of now, the Daura Emirate has not issued any public statement regarding the accusations against Iliya Mantau, who remains in custody alongside other suspects.
Residents of Mantau village noted that no official notice has been issued suspending Mantau from his position, even though security operatives have arrested him and others as part of ongoing investigations.
Locals and rights advocates are urging authorities to ensure that politics and traditional privilege do not obstruct justice, especially in a case implicating a royal figure within one of the state's most prominent emirates.
