The police have arrested 29 suspects in connection with alleged criminal activities, including the killing of a village head, in Niger State. The state command disclosed this in a crime bulletin issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun. According to the police, four suspects were arrested over the alleged killing of Bawa Barde, 53, the village head of Zhilu in Fuka District, Munya Local Government Area.
The police said they received a distress call on 23 August at about 7 a.m., reporting that the traditional leader had been attacked. Officers attached to the Gwada divisional police headquarters reportedly found Mr Barde in a pool of blood with severe machete injuries at the backyard of his residence. He was taken to a nearby medical facility, where he was confirmed dead.
The police said investigations led to the arrest of Zegi Dogari, 48; Danjuma Galadima, 50; Bashir Umar, 32; and John Doma, 35, between 25 and 28 August. The suspects allegedly conspired to attack the village head over disagreements arising from a previous incident involving Mr Umar and another person. The police further alleged that Mr Barde had warned Mr Umar, who is his cousin, against creating a grazing route through his farmland.
The command also said its investigation uncovered other issues, including an allegation that Mr Dogari, a herbalist, had an affair with the deceased’s wife. According to the police, Mr Dogari admitted the allegation and was reportedly ordered to pay a N700,000 fine. The command said the suspects, who are said to have various family relationships with the deceased, had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Minna for further investigation.
They are expected to be arraigned in court for alleged culpable homicide. The police also said three men were arrested for allegedly stealing a cow in