The Gombe State Police Command has arrested the suspected killer of Hajiya Aishatu Abdullahi, who was murdered on October 20, 2023, in her home in the Jekadafari quarters of Gombe State, Northeast Nigeria.
The suspect, 18-year-old Mustapha Adamu Isah, also known as Abbati, from Jeka-fari quarters in Gombe, Gombe State, was said to have been arrested.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP Mahid Mu’azu Abubakar, told journalists in Gombe that the suspect was arrested on October 22, 2023, at around 01:30 p.m. in connection with the case, following credible intelligence received by the investigative team.
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ASP Abubakar said during the investigation, the suspect confessed to sneaking into Aishatu Abdullahi’s room in search of his spanner, which she had seized from him.
Command. We urge the public to work together with us to ensure the safety and security of our communities. Remember, if you see something, say something. Together, we can achieve a peaceful and secure Gombe State.
— Gombe State Police Command (@GombePoliceNG) October 26, 2023
Although the suspect had earlier mentioned that he had an accomplice, one 17-year-old Idris Abubakar from the same address, he later said he acted alone without support from Idris, stating that he only mentioned Idris because he had caused him to be sacked from the garage where they were working together, thereby leaving him unemployed for a year.
The Gombe State Police Public Relations Officer said further investigation revealed that eyewitnesses said that at the time of the incident, while the victim was screaming for help, they were together with the said Idris, who assisted in calling the relatives of the deceased on the phone, but they were not reachable.
Narrating what transpired, Mustapha said the deceased, Aishatu, returned from her neighbour’s compound and found him in her room. She questioned him, but he refused to leave, which resulted in him attacking her, strangling her, killing her with a knife, and escaping through the toilet to an unknown destination.
ASP Abubakar said the suspect, while fleeing, left behind his stained shirt and knife but managed to escape with the spanner, which was later recovered from him.
He also said the spanner, blood-stained shirt, and knife were recovered as exhibits.
Another success recorded is the arrest of suspected kidnappers and the culpable homicide of a three-year-old who was killed, put in a sack, and started decomposing before he was recovered.
The body was recovered in the room of 22-year-old suspect Rabilu Adamu of Gombe Abba, Dukku LGA Gombe State, the victim’s cousin, who was assisted by Ado Yusuf, 28 years old, of Zoro village, Darazo LGA Bauchi State.
According to PPRO,
“After diligent investigation, the suspect confessed to having handed over the said Ismail to his accomplice, Ado Yusuf, a male of Zoro village, Darazo LGA Bauchi State, after kidnapping him together at Gombe Abba village.
A team of police operatives attached to Dukku Division, led by the DPO, swung into action and succeeded in arresting the said Ado, who denied having the victim in his custody even after arriving at Dukku Disional Police Headquarters. During interrogation, the two suspects confessed to having kidnapped the victim on October 18, 2023, at about 10 a.m. to an unknown destination, tied him with rope, and left him there lying down till 11 p.m.
Further investigation revealed that after picking up the 3-year-old boy, the suspects killed him,” ASP Abubakar said.
These and others were recorded by the Gombe State Police Command.
The PPRO, on behalf of the command, urges the public to work together with the police to ensure the safety and security of Gombe State communities.
“Remember, if you see something, say something. Together, we can achieve a peaceful and secure Gombe State.
For complaints, we can be reached via our Emergency Line 08150567771 or our PCB line, 09065472923 Thank you,” ASP Abubakar said.