“Spanish” Teenager Found in Kano Reunited With Nigerian Parents After 13 Years

​KANO – In a dramatic turn of events, the Kano State Police Command has successfully reunited a 16-year-old boy, who initially claimed to be a Spanish national, with his Nigerian parents after a decade-long family separation.

​The teenager, originally identified in media reports as “Alex Ansol” from Spain, was discovered wandering in Dadin Kowa Village, within the Doguwa Local Government Area. Early reports suggested he had arrived via the Abuja International Airport on March 30 and lost contact with relatives while traveling to visit his father.

​However, a “thorough investigation” by the command, led by Commissioner of Police Muhammad Usaini Gumel, unmasked a different reality. The boy is actually Yusuf Sabiu, a Nigerian citizen.

​The Investigation

​According to a statement released on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the boy’s initial claims of being a foreigner were debunked during questioning. Detectives traced his roots to Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where his father, 44-year-old Saminu Yusuf, resides. His mother, Habiba Adam (35), was traced to Plateau State.

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​The investigation further revealed a poignant family history: Yusuf’s parents had been separated for over 13 years, a factor the police believe contributed to the teenager’s state of confusion and eventual disappearance.

​A Community Effort

​The Command credited the power of social media and traditional press for the swift resolution of the case.

​”Your swift circulation of the information played a key role in tracing the family and achieving this positive outcome,” Kiyawa stated, thanking the public for sharing the initial report when the boy was still thought to be a foreign traveler.

​Police Advisory

​Following the formal handover of Yusuf to his parents at the Doguwa Police Division, the authorities issued a stern advisory to the public.

​The police urged parents to:

• ​Report Missing Persons Immediately: Swift reporting significantly increases the chances of safe recovery.
• ​Maintain Co-Parenting Communication: Separated or divorced parents were advised to keep open lines of communication regarding their children’s welfare to prevent them from falling into such vulnerable situations.

​Yusuf is now back in the custody of his family, bringing an end to a cross-state search that captured national attention.