The Niger State Police Command has arrested seven people in connection with the death of a student of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai.
The incident happened on June 23 when Abdulwahab Jafar, a 23-year-old 200-level student of Chemistry and Education, was attacked and later confirmed dead.
Nineteen suspects were initially taken into custody after the attack, but further investigation reduced the number of those linked to the case to seven. The suspects were identified as Idris Hamza, Suleiman Damilare, Abdulsemiu Bashir, Bawa Aliyu, Yakubu Musa also known as Pypa, Samson Abbah also known as Small, and Solomon Musa also known as Cabella. They are facing charges that include criminal conspiracy, robbery, unlawful society, possession of weapons, internet fraud, and suspected culpable homicide.
Two of the suspects were arrested on June 27 at Fadikpe with cannabis, charms, and a Toyota Corolla car. They admitted to being part of a cult group known as the Neo Black Movement of Africa and confessed to taking part in cult-related activities on campus, including initiation of new members. Their statements led to the arrest of more people, including Abdulsemiu Bashir, who was caught with 16 SIM cards, a POS machine, and ₦77,000 believed to be proceeds from stolen phones. Others were linked to violent attacks on student lodges in Lapai.
In another case, the police also arrested four men after a robbery in Suleja on September 6. A group of about ten men attacked a resident in his home near a filling station, injuring him and stealing items such as seven phones, a plasma television, solar panels, and other belongings. The victim was later taken to hospital for treatment.
The suspects arrested in connection with the Suleja robbery were named as Umar Abubakar, Ibrahim Lawali, Sirajo Musa, and Adamu Lawal. Some of the stolen items were recovered from them, while others involved in the crime are still being pursued by the police.
All the suspects from both cases have been moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further questioning and prosecution.