Rita Odafe
Sadiq Zubairu has been ordered to remain in custody by the Federal High Court at the Audu Bako Secretariat in Kano State due to his involvement in the kidnapping and murder of his associate, Bello Bukar, who was a 45-year-old employee of the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO).
Zubairu, 35, hails from Hotoron Arewa Quarters in Nassarawa Local Government Area. During proceedings, he admitted to collaborating with two accomplices, who are currently unidentified, to kill Bello because he failed to repay N3 million that he received from him. This amount was taken under false pretenses, as Zubairu claimed he would help Bello secure a job with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
Additionally, Zubairu confessed to stealing the victim’s two mobile phones and having concealed Bello’s vehicle, valued at N12 million, in a garage located in Hotoro Quarters, Kano, which has since been recovered by the authorities.
The charges against him include armed robbery and murder, as presented by Barr. Abdussalam Dan Maidaki. Zubairu has pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
Justice Yusuf Ubale Muhammad, the presiding judge, has remanded him and scheduled the next court date for January 23, 2025, to hear testimony from witnesses.
Bello’s family reported him missing after he left home on May 5, 2024, and did not return. His body was later discovered in Kumbotso Local Government Area.
Bello’s brother, Abdullahi Abubakar, shared that Bello received a distressing phone call from Zubairu, who was regarded as a close friend and former colleague, just before he vanished.
According to the police spokesman, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, Zubairu had fraudulently taken N3 million from Bello by promising to arrange a better job for him. It was revealed that Zubairu hired two strong men to assist him in the crime, ultimately leading to Bello’s death as he had no way to repay the money.
