The Niger State Police Command has arrested a 35-year-old man, Mohammed Sani, for allegedly killing an elderly woman and seriously injuring another after he was reportedly hired to attack three women accused of witchcraft.
Police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed that Sani, a native of Kebbi State, was allegedly recruited by three men from Kokolo Village in Auna District to carry out the attacks.
According to the police, the incident occurred on October 3, 2026, when Sani allegedly entered a resident’s home and attacked 65-year-old Tani Nuhu, who died from the assault.
Detectives from the Nasko Division were deployed to the community after receiving a report about the incident.
Sani was later arrested alongside two other suspects, identified as 65-year-old Isa Lamaran and Abdullahi Hamidu, both residents of Kokolo Village.
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During interrogation, Sani allegedly told investigators that Lamaran, Hamidu and another suspect, Rufa’i Gado, who is currently on the run, hired him to kill the three elderly women because they believed the women were witches.
The suspect reportedly claimed that Lamaran provided him with a hoe to carry out the attack. He also alleged that Hamidu promised him two plots of land and his daughter’s hand in marriage if he successfully completed the mission.
Police said the attack resulted in the death of Tani Nuhu, while another targeted woman sustained serious injuries.
Authorities confirmed that efforts were ongoing to arrest Gado, the remaining suspect.
The three suspects in custody are being detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Minna as investigations continue.
The police added that the suspects would be charged with criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide and causing grievous hurt after investigations are concluded and other accomplices are apprehended.
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