In a breakthrough for justice, the Jigawa State Police Command has arrested three suspects linked to a 2019 case of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide. The suspects, who allegedly lured a 19-year-old victim to his death under the guise of a fraudulent spiritual money scheme, were apprehended in Illela, Sokoto State, after years on the run.
This arrest marks a significant milestone in a case that has haunted the victim’s family for nearly six years. Here’s the full story.
The Crime: A Tragic Deception
The case dates back to July 2, 2019, when Ahmad Abdullahi, a 19-year-old resident of Fanisau Quarters in Hadejia, was reported missing by his brother, Tijjani Umar.
According to police investigations, the suspects—Malam Adamu Aliyu, Malam Mukhtar Abdulmumin, and Malam Nafiu Ibrahim—lured Abdullahi with a false promise of spiritual money that would enable him to travel abroad for studies. After collecting N400,000 from the victim, they took him to a riverside in Hadejia, strangled him, and threw his body into the water when he demanded a refund.
The Escape and Arrest
Following the crime, the suspects fled to the Niger Republic, where they remained at large for nearly six years. However, their luck ran out on February 8, 2025, when detectives from the Jigawa State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) tracked them down in Illela, Sokoto State.
The suspects were subsequently transferred to Jigawa State for prosecution.
Police Statement
In a statement issued by the Jigawa State Police Command, spokesperson SP Lawan Shiisu Adam detailed the arrest and the suspects’ alleged involvement in the crime.
“The suspects lured the deceased with a fraudulent promise of making spiritual money that would enable him to travel abroad for studies. They deceitfully collected the sum of N400,000 from him before luring him to a riverside in Hadejia, where they strangled him and threw his body into the water after he demanded a refund,” Shiisu explained.
He added that the suspects have been charged to court, bringing a long-awaited sense of closure to the victim’s family.
Why This Matters
This arrest is a testament to the persistence of law enforcement in pursuing justice, even years after a crime has been committed. For the family of Ahmad Abdullahi, it represents a crucial step toward healing and accountability.
The case also highlights the dangers of fraudulent schemes and the need for public awareness to prevent similar tragedies.
What’s Next?
As the suspects face prosecution, the focus will be on ensuring a fair trial and delivering justice for Ahmad Abdullahi. The case serves as a reminder that no crime should go unpunished, no matter how much time has passed.
