The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with two separate homicide cases that claimed the lives of two people in different parts of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, saying one suspect was arrested over the killing of a 25-year-old man, while three others were apprehended in connection with the death of a 51-year-old man allegedly attacked over accusations of witchcraft.
Habib said the first incident occurred on July 25 at about 3:28 p.m., when a 45-year-old resident of Unguwan Kur reported that one Zahradeen Dan’Azumi Tanko, 25, had been stabbed by Al-Amin Hamisu Gidado, 21, who allegedly acted in conspiracy with one Yahaya Mu’azu, now at large.
“The victim sustained multiple injuries and was immediately rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, for medical attention. Unfortunately, the doctor on duty confirmed him dead on arrival,” he said.
According to the police spokesperson, the principal suspect has been arrested and remains in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing accomplice.
“Preliminary investigation has been concluded, and the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation and prosecution. Efforts are also ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect,” Habib added.
In the second case, Habib said the command received a report on July 21 after residents of the Dandango area brought the lifeless body of 51-year-old Monday Chiroma to the police.
Preliminary investigations revealed that on July 20, a group of suspects allegedly attacked Chiroma and another victim, Yelwa Bango, accusing them of bewitching a 20-year-old woman, Jamila Anthony, who 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,” Habib said.
Both victims were rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, where Chiroma was confirmed dead, while Bango was admitted for treatment.
Following a swift operation by officers attached to the E-Division, police arrested three suspects identified as Danjuma Anthony, 25; Ayuba Anthony, 22, also known as Babaru; and Christopher Adamu, 34.
“During interrogation, they confessed to the offence,” Habib said.
He added that efforts were ongoing, in collaboration with local security operatives and community members, to arrest other suspects still at large. The case has also been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and prosecution.
The Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned both incidents and urged residents to refrain from violence and jungle justice.
He also appealed to members of the public to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station, reaffirming the command’s commitment to ensuring justice for victims and maintaining law and order across the state.