Uganda Police Force (UPF) operatives have arrested Geofrey Kato, the man accused of kidnapping two-year-old Baby Ayan Makanga during a visit to his mother in Kira Municipality.
Police alleges that Kato had visited Fatumah Nyakaisiki, the mother of Baby Ayan Makanga, at her home in Kireka-Kamuli in Kira Municipality so that the two could discuss “personal matters” on October 10, 2024.
Preliminary reports indicated that as Nyakaisiki prepared tea for his visitor, Kato escaped with Baby Ayan Makanga. He would then drop Nyakaisiki a social media message asking for a ransom if she wanted to have her baby back.
“It is reported that while Nayakaisiki was preparing tea for the suspect, he fled the scene with the child. Later that evening, Geofrey sent a WhatsApp message to the mother, demanding a ransom of UGX 150 million for the safe return of the child,” said Luke Owoyesigyire, the deputy spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP).
The parents of Baby Ayan Makanga would report the matter to Kira Division Police whose officers teamed up with Crime Intelligence Directorate to thoroughly investigate the matter and trail Kato.
On October 12, police operatives managed to catch Kato. He was found in Kigarama Village, Kasanda District.
“… 2-year-old Ayan was safely recovered. The child was found in good health and has since been reunited with their parents,” said Owoyesigyire, adding that Kato, the suspect, is currently in police custody and that will be processed for arraignment in court soon.
“We commend the efforts of the task team for their diligent work in resolving this case, and we also acknowledge the parents for their prompt reporting of the incident, which significantly aided the rescue efforts,” he added.
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