Rita Odafe
Three Vigilantes Detained for Murder in Niger State
The Niger State Police have taken custody of three members of a vigilante group: 35-year-old Habibu Usman, 25-year-old Tanko Abara, and 26-year-old Maigero Abdullahi. They are suspected of murdering 30-year-old Mohammed Bello in the Rijau Local Government Area.
During a news conference on January 27, 2025, State Commissioner of Police, CP Shawulu E. Danmamman, shared details of the case.
The last sighting of the victim occurred on December 8, 2024, at a vigilante checkpoint. He was riding a motorcycle and reportedly had around N940,000 at that time.
The body of Mohammed Bello was found on January 13, 2025, in a bush area near the checkpoint.
“On January 16, 2025, officers from the Kontagora Area Command apprehended the suspects who reside in Tunga-Galadima village, close to Rijau.”
“They are under investigation for the suspected homicide of Mohammed Bello, who was last seen on December 8, 2024, at a vigilante checkpoint with significant cash in hand until his body was discovered weeks later.”
“During the investigation, one suspect, Habibu Usman, admitted that another accomplice, known as Lawal, is currently at large and had previously shot an innocent person at the checkpoint.”
“The investigation continues, and efforts to locate additional suspects, including Lawal, Jibrin, and Bako, are being intensified.”
