Crime

Three suspects arrested over alleged m8rder of 65-year-old woman accused of witchcraft in Niger State

By Linda Ikeji 9 October 2026, 10:43 am 0 comments

The Niger State Police Command has arrested three suspects over the alleged m8rder of a 65-year-old woman accused of witchcraft.

The spokesperson for the command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, October 8, 2026.

According to the PPRO, one of the suspects, Mohammed Sani, allegedly trespassed into the residence of the victim identified as Tani Nuhu, in Kokolo village and k!lled her.

Further investigation led to the arrest of Isa Lamaran and Abdullahi Hamidu.

During interrogation, Mohammed revealed that he was contracted and invited as a wizard by Lamaran, Hamidu and one other suspect, Rufa'i Gado, currently at large, to k!ll three elderly women in the community over allegations that they were witches.

“On 03/10/2026 at about 2pm, a report was received at Nasko Div from Kokolo Village that one Mohammed Sani 35yrs of Kebbi state trespassed into the residence of a community member, and k!lled one Tani Nuhu, a female of 65yrs inside the house,” the statement read.

"On receipt of the report, detectives from Nasko Div were deployed to the scene and in the course of investigation, the following suspects were arrested; Mohammed Sani 35yrs of Kebbi State, Isa Lamaran 65yrs of Kokolo village via Auna District and Abdullahi Hamidu of the same address.

"During interrogation, Mohammed revealed that he was contracted and invited as a wizard who can detect witches by Isa Lamaran, Hamidu and one other suspect, Rufa'i Gado of Kokolo village currently at large, to k!ll three elderly women in the community over allegations that they were witches.

"He confessed that Isa gave him a hoe to use in perpetrating the crime while Abdullahi promised to give him two plots of land and his daughter's hand in marriage if he succeed.

"Consequently, Mohammed succeeded in k!lling one victim, Tani and grievously injured another before his arrest.

“All suspects are currently in custody at SCID Minna undergoing further investigation with a view to arrest the other accomplice after which they will be charged to court for criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide and causing grievous hurt.”