The Kano State Police Command has reunited a teenager initially believed to be a foreign national with his family after concluding an investigation into his identity.
The command said the boy, who was earlier found in Dadin Kowa Village in Doguwa Local Government Area and claimed to be a Spanish national named Alex Ansol, was identified as 16-year-old Yusuf Sabiu.
In a statement on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Kiyawa, the command said the teenager’s parents were subsequently traced.
“Thorough investigation by the command revealed that the teenager, who had previously claimed to be a Spanish national named Alex Ansol, was in fact Yusuf Sabiu, 16 years old,” the statement read.
Kiyawa added that his father, 44-year-old Saminu Yusuf, is from Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State, while his mother, 35-year-old Habiba Adam, is from Plateau State.
The police noted that both parents had been separated for over 13 years.
The spokesperson noted that the teenager was formally handed over to his parents at the Doguwa Police Division.
“Yusuf Sabiu was formally handed over to his parents at Doguwa Police Division, Kano, through the Divisional Police Officer,” the statement added.
The command commended the role of the media and the public in resolving the case.
“The command sincerely appreciates members of the press, media houses, and social media users who promptly shared the initial report. Your swift circulation of the information played a key role in tracing the family and achieving this positive outcome,” it said.
The police urged parents and guardians to promptly report missing persons to aid in timely intervention.
“The command urges parents and guardians to always report missing persons immediately to the nearest police station. Timely reporting helps the Police respond swiftly and ensures the safety of loved ones,” the statement noted.
It also advised separated or divorced parents to maintain communication regarding the welfare of their children to prevent exposure to danger.
