Bauchi Police Arrest Two For Allegedly Killing Uncle Over Witchcraft Accusations

Bauchi State- The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested two suspects accused of killing their uncle, Ezekiel Samaila, 45, over allegations of witchcraft.

The suspects, Ezekiel Simon, 18, of Ndit village, Bogoro Local Government Area, and Lumana Zakka, 29, of Zuya village, were arrested after a police investigation linked them to the crime.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, stated that Samaila was reported missing on September 24, 2024, after leaving his residence in Bogoro to watch a football match in Nera village.

“Tragically, his body was discovered the following day along a roadside near his home, with his motorcycle and mobile phone notably missing,” Wakil disclosed.

The State Intelligence Department launched an investigation, during which Simon was found in possession of the deceased’s phone. His arrest subsequently led to the capture of Zakka.

He said Ezekiel Simon confessed to colluding with Lumana Zakka to assault and brutally kill the victim, who happened to be Lumana’s uncle, by smashing a pestle on his head several times.

The statement read,“During interrogation, Lumana Zakka claimed he acted out of grievances and revenge, accusing Ezekiel Samaila of being responsible for the deaths of several family members, including his mother, two sisters, and two daughters. As the investigation progressed, the stolen mobile phone was recovered.”

“Also, the suspects had sold the deceased’s motorcycle for N400,000, but police said it was making an effort to recover the motorcycle from the buyer.

He added that the suspects will be charged with criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, and culpable homicide under sections 97, 85, and 221(a) of the Penal Code upon the completion of the investigation.