Police arrest four over alleged killing of man, 7 others in separate conspiracy cases in Niger

The Niger State Police Command has arrested four suspects over the alleged killing of a 30-year-old man in Minna, as seven other suspects were apprehended in two separate cases involving alleged animal theft and fraud in the state.

The command, through the Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the victim, Sunday Pada of Gogala Village, Shiroro, was allegedly beaten and stabbed to death in the Korokpan area of Minna after some persons reportedly raised an alarm of “thief” on August 10, 2026.

According to him, Pada was returning from a friend’s house when the suspects allegedly intercepted him, beat him severely and later stabbed him.

He explained that police operatives attached to Paiko Division reportedly arrived at the scene after receiving information about the incident, but the suspects had fled.

The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was confirmed dead.

However, he disclosed that two days later, some of the suspects were discovered in the custody of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) following a raid in the area.

Police said three suspects were released to the command by the NDLEA, while another was subsequently arrested.

The suspects were identified as Ibrahim Abubakar, Aliyu Onah, Godwin Musa and Aminu Bawa, all of Korokpan, Minna.

They are currently being investigated at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Minna, for criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide.

In another case, he said three suspects were arrested over alleged animal theft around Gidan-Kwano after residents reported a suspicious black Volkswagen vehicle in the area.

The suspects are Danlami Ali, 45; Sabastine Masangu, 49; and Masaud Abdullahi, 35, who were intercepted by police operatives and vigilantes on August 11.

Police disclosed that animal skins suspected to have been stolen were recovered from the tinted vehicle, registration number RSH 151 RE.

He said investigation indicated that the suspects were allegedly part of a syndicate specialising in stealing goats and other animals in the community.

Similarly, the spokesman stated that police arrested four suspects accused of criminal conspiracy, extortion and fraud in an alleged fake QNET online investment scheme.

According to him, the victim had 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.

“The victim 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 reportedly demanded another N200,000, which the victim refused to pay, before allegedly slapping him,” he revealed.

He later escaped during prayer time and was intercepted by police, where he reported the incident.

The suspects, including Ringim Magaji, Umar Laduwa, Bashir Abdullahi and Ibrahim Bello, are currently undergoing further investigation at SCID, Minna.

The command said the cases remain under investigation, with the suspects expected to be charged to court upon completion of the investigations.