The Niger State Police Command has arrested four suspects over the alleged killing of a 30-year-old man in Minna and apprehended seven others in connection with separate cases involving alleged animal theft, extortion and fraud.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the deceased, identified as Sunday Pada from Gogala Village in Shiroro, was allegedly attacked in the Korokpan area of Minna on August 10, 2026.
According to the police, Pada was returning from a friend’s house when some individuals allegedly raised an alarm of “thief.” The suspects reportedly intercepted him, beat him severely and stabbed him.
Police operatives attached to Paiko Division arrived at the scene after receiving information about the incident, but the suspects had fled. Pada was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was confirmed dead.
Abiodun said some of the suspects were later found in the custody of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency following a raid in the area. Three suspects were handed over to the police, while another was subsequently arrested.
The suspects, identified as Ibrahim Abubakar, Aliyu Onah, Godwin Musa and Aminu Bawa, are being investigated for criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide.
In a separate incident, police arrested three suspects over alleged animal theft around Gidan-Kwano. They were identified as Danlami Ali, 45; Sabastine Masangu, 49; and Masaud Abdullahi, 35.
The suspects were intercepted by police operatives and vigilantes on August 11 after residents reported a suspicious black Volkswagen vehicle. Police said animal skins suspected to have been stolen were recovered from the tinted vehicle.
The command said investigation indicated that the suspects were allegedly part of a syndicate involved in stealing goats and other animals in the community.
Police also arrested four suspects over an alleged fake QNET online investment scheme involving criminal conspiracy, extortion and fraud.
According to Abiodun, the victim travelled from Kano to Minna after being offered a job but was allegedly taken to a house at Farm Centre, where the suspects demanded ₦200,000 for an online investment.
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The victim reportedly resisted, insisting that he came for a job, but was allegedly intimidated and forced to transfer the money to an account belonging to one Aminu Bello.
The suspects allegedly demanded another ₦200,000, which the victim refused to pay, before reportedly slapping him.
He later escaped during prayer time and reported the incident to the police.
The suspects, identified as Ringim Magaji, Umar Laduwa, Bashir Abdullahi and Ibrahim Bello, are currently being investigated at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Minna.
The police said investigations into the cases are ongoing and the suspects will be charged to court upon completion of the investigations.
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