The son of the late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar has publicly rejected the Katsina State government's official account of his father's death, insisting the general had no history of diabetes or hypertension.

Isyaka Rabe told Deutsche Welle on Sunday that the government's claim — that his father died from complications of those illnesses — isn't accurate. He said the family believes a heart attack was more likely, given that his father's legs were restrained while in captivity.

“I truly don't believe it was diabetes. In our view, it was a heart attack. If you look at it, his legs were restrained. Moreover, some people said that he was walking, and he didn't die, so God knows, since only God is the knower,” Isyaka said.

Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, was abducted alongside his wife on May 30 while travelling to a wedding. The kidnappers, believed to be bandits, released a four-minute video on June 6 showing the couple appealing to the Katsina State Government to release three detained fighters and return livestock allegedly seized during security operations.

The government confirmed Abubakar's death on Saturday, describing it as a tragic loss. But Isyaka also dismissed social media reports that his mother had been freed.

“Whoever says she (mother) has been released, I, Isyaka Rabe, son of Major General Rabe, I say that is a lie; she hasn't been released. Right now, she's still in their custody,” he said.

Public speculation about the cause of death has been fuelled by the final video released by the captors, which some viewers said showed signs that a snake bite may have killed the general. Isyaka noted that only God knows the true circumstances.

He described his father as a deeply religious, peace-loving man who lived a simple life and died a hero. Asked about the recovery of his father's remains, Isyaka said he had no information and directed such questions to the government.

President Bola Tinubu has expressed sorrow over Abubakar's death, while the Defence Headquarters pledged to intensify operations against criminal elements across the country.

  • Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife were abducted on May 30, 2026, while going for a wedding
  • The kidnappers demanded the release of three detained fighters and return of livestock on June 6
  • Katsina State government announced Abubakar's death on June 13, citing diabetes and hypertension complications
  • Isyaka Rabe publicly disputed the government's claim on June 14, stating his father had no history of those illnesses
  • The general's wife remains in captivity as of June 15