SPANISH TEEN FOUND WANDERING IN KANO REVEALED AS NIGERIAN BOY, REUNITED WITH FAMILY AFTER 13 YEARS

The Kano State Police Command has resolved the mystery surrounding a 16-year-old boy found wandering in Dadin Kowa village, Doguwa Local Government Area of Kano State, initially identified as Alex Ansol from Spain. Following a thorough investigation, authorities have now confirmed the teenager is actually a Nigerian boy named Yusuf Sabiu and have reunited him with his biological parents after more than 13 years of separation.

The boy was initially discovered wandering in Dadin Kowa Village, Doguwa Local Government Area of Kano State, where he claimed to be a Spanish national named Alex Ansol. Police had earlier reported on April 5 that he arrived in Nigeria from Spain on March 30, 2026, alongside four relatives through Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and was traveling to Kano to visit his father, Ansol Fan, before losing contact along the Jos to Saminaka road.

However, the Kano State Police Command spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, issued a statement on Monday clarifying the true identity of the teenager. “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,” Kiyawa said.

The police investigation successfully traced his parents, identified as Saminu Yusuf, 44, from Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and Habiba Adam, 35, from Plateau State. “Further findings showed that the parents have been separated for over 13 years,” Kiyawa disclosed in the statement.

Following the identification process, the teenager was formally handed over to his parents at the Doguwa Police Division, Kano, through the Divisional Police Officer. “Yusuf Sabiu was formally handed over to his parents at Doguwa Police Division, Kano, through the Divisional Police Officer,” the police spokesperson confirmed.

The police command expressed gratitude to the media and the public for their assistance 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,” Kiyawa said.

The police have also used this opportunity to advise parents and guardians on child welfare. “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 read. The command also advised separated or divorced parents to maintain open communication regarding the welfare of their children. “A stable support system, irrespective of family differences, helps protect children from wandering and exposure to danger,” Kiyawa added.

For emergencies, the police urged the public to contact the Kano Police Command on 08032419754, 08123821575, 09029292926, or use the NPF Rescue Me application available on the Play Store.