Police Arrest Suspected Ritualist Accused of Killing Two Casual Workers in Bauchi

A 40-year-old man, Ibrahim Umar has been arrested by the Bauchi State Police Command for the alleged murder of two casual labourers, Kabiru Idi and Bato Ali, purportedly in an attempt to carry out a money ritual in the Gamawa Local Government Area of the state.

According to a statement released on Tuesday, September 12, by the spokesperson of the Bauchi State Police Command, SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, the arrest of the suspect came about after a report from one Adamu Mohammed of Taranka village. Mohammed reported that the victims had gone missing, prompting the police to take action.

“On receipt of the report, a team of detectives were quickly drafted to the scene and eventually arrested the suspect.

During interrogation, the suspect confessed to having killed the victims for a money ritual and buried their bodies in a shallow grave around the outskirts of the town.

During a search at the suspect’s residence, police recovered one rubber gallon containing liquid substances suspected to be human blood.

The PPRO debunked reports making the rounds on social media that the suspect was a cannibal and had eaten the victim’s body parts.

“CP M.M AUWAL condemns the gruesome killing of two casual workers in Gamawa, appeals for calm and warns the good people of the State to desist from the act of posting unverified stories that will incite the tempo of the society on social media and assures that Justice will take its course,” the statement read.

“On 10/09/2023 at about 0958hrs one Adamu Mohammed ‘m’ aged 57yrs of Taranka village Gamawa LGA, Bauchi State, reported at Gamawa Divisional Police Headquarters, that about one month ago, one Kabiru Idi ‘m’ aged 36yrs and Bato Ali ‘m’ aged 18yrs both of the same address were missing.

“One Ibrahim Umar ‘m’ aged 40yrs of Dankunkuru village Ungogo LGA Kano State, who came to the said Taranka village for charcoal business was suspected to have perfected the abduction and disappearance the aforementioned persons

“On receipt of the report, a team of detectives were quickly drafted to the scene and eventually arrested the suspect

“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to having killed and buried the two casual workers in a shallow grave around the outskirts of the town, consequently, the requisite coroner’s form was filled and the bodies were exhumed from the said grave for discreet Investigation. These bodies were established to be those of the missing persons and are certified death by the medical practitioner

“Thereafter, the Command has handed over the corpses to the relatives for burial according to their respective religious rites

“Investigation further uncovered, the accused killed the two persons in a bid to make ritual money out of their dead bodies

“During a search at the suspect’s residence, one rubber gallon containing liquid substances suspected to be human blood was recovered from the accused residence.

“Investigation is still in progress to uncover the mystery behind the accused’s cruel act

“The Command wishes to commensurate and condole with the family of the victim, may Allah (S.W.A) give them strength and fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss

“The Commissioner of Police Bauchi State Command CP Auwal Musa Muhammad psc, has described the act as ferocious and inimical to the law governing our dear country and warned Bauchi State indigenes that such acts under his stewardship will not be tolerated

“He explicitly condemned the ruthless and gruesome killing of the two innocent and very hardworking citizens of the state and assured of his resoluteness and commitment to ensure that justice takes its course in this matter

“While assuring that the general public will continue to be updated as the investigation unfolds, we would like to use this medium to reiterate the need for parents and guardians to maintain strict vigilance of the activities of their wards

“It is pertinent now more than ever that the whereabouts of wards and the company they keep are constantly kept in check by all those responsible. Community leaders, elders and authoritative persons should also ensure to keep an eye on happenings within their environment and ensure the needed intervention before situations degenerate.”