The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with the murder of a 50-year-old woman accused of practicing witchcraft in Biu Local Government Area of the state.
Confirming the incident on Saturday, February 22, 2025, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Yusuf Lawan, identified the suspects as Ja’o Muhammad, Idrisa Muhammad (20), and Ya’u Muhammad (30).
According to Lawan, the victim, Hajara Saleh, was attacked and killed on February 21 in Bantine community after being accused of bringing misfortune to the area. The commissioner stated that the suspects conspired to kill her, inflicting injuries on her neck, legs, and hands, which led to her death.
Authorities were alerted by a resident of Dadinkowa Gunda ward, who reported the incident at 11:00 a.m. Upon arrival, police discovered that the victim had already been buried according to Islamic rites by her husband, Saleh Bole, and other family members.
Despite the burial, police investigators documented evidence and arrested two of the alleged perpetrators, while one suspect remains at large. Lawan assured that a manhunt is underway to apprehend the fleeing suspect.
Describing the attack as barbaric and unjustified, the commissioner warned against extrajudicial killings based on witchcraft accusations.
“The police are fully committed to bringing all those responsible for this heinous crime to justice. The public must understand that the law does not permit people to take matters into their own hands,” Lawan stated.
The suspects face charges of criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, and other related offenses. They will be prosecuted upon completion of investigations.
Lawan urged community members to report suspicions of witchcraft or other grievances to law enforcement rather than resorting to jungle justice.
