The Bauchi State Police Command has apprehended four suspects over two separate culpable homicide cases that resulted in the deaths of two individuals in different parts of the state.
The Punch reported that the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday. He explained that one suspect was arrested over the fatal stabbing of a 25-year-old man, while three others were taken into custody in connection with the alleged killing of a 51-year-old man accused of witchcraft.
According to Habib, the first incident occurred on July 25 at about 3:28 p.m. after a 45-year-old resident of Unguwan Kur reported that Zahradeen Dan’Azumi Tanko, 25, had been stabbed by Al-Amin Hamisu Gidado, 21, who allegedly carried out the attack in collaboration with one Yahaya Mu’azu, now on the run.
He said, “The victim sustained multiple injuries and was immediately rushed to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, for medical attention. Unfortunately, the medical doctor on duty confirmed him dead on arrival.”
The police spokesperson said the main suspect is currently in police custody, while security operatives are intensifying efforts to arrest the fleeing accomplice.
“Investigation has been concluded at the preliminary stage and later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation and prosecution. Efforts are also ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect,” Habib added.
Speaking on the second case, Habib said the command received a report on July 21 after residents of the Dandango area brought the body of 51-year-old Monday Chiroma to the police.
Preliminary findings showed that on July 20, Chiroma and another victim, Yelwa Bango, were allegedly attacked by a group of suspects who accused them of using witchcraft against 20-year-old Jamila Anthony. The young woman later died while receiving treatment at a hospital in Gudun Hausawa, Bauchi.
“The attack was reportedly carried out on the suspicion that the victims were responsible for bewitching one Jamila Anthony, a 20-year-old female who later died while receiving treatment at a hospital in Gudun Hausawa, Bauchi,” he said.
Habib stated that both victims were rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, where Chiroma was confirmed dead, while Bango was admitted for medical treatment.
He said, “Following a swift response by operatives of E-Division, three suspects were arrested. They are: Danjuma Anthony, 25; Ayuba Anthony, 22, also known as Babaru; and Christopher Adamu, 34. During interrogation, they confessed to the offence.”
He added that investigations were ongoing and that police, working alongside local security operatives and community members, were making efforts to apprehend other suspects still at large. The case has also been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and prosecution.
Meanwhile, the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned both incidents, warning against acts of violence and jungle justice.
Habib said the commissioner urged residents to promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring justice for victims while maintaining peace and public order across the state.
