Nursing Mother and Two Arrested Over Father-in-Law’s Murder Linked to ‘Witchcraft’ Claims

Authorities have detained a nursing mother and two others for their alleged involvement in the murder of her father-in-law, with reports suggesting that witchcraft played a role in the incident.

The Bauchi State Police Command has detained Rakiya Ya’u, a 20-year-old mother of five, on suspicion of hiring two young men to murder her father-in-law.

Auwal Muhammad, the Commissioner of Police for the command, revealed this information while presenting the three suspects on Friday.

He revealed that on October 25, 2024, the lifeless body of Damina Lamba from Wuro Dangogo near Sarma village was discovered in a bush between Wuro Dangogo and Sarma village with signs of violence visible on his head.

Operatives from Misau Divisional Police Headquarters, under the leadership of the DPO, transported the body to General Hospital Misau, where a medical doctor confirmed his death.

The operatives quickly took action to identify those responsible for the gruesome killing. As a result, on October 30, 2024, three suspects were arrested in connection with the crime.

Both suspects, Abdu Lamba, 20, and Ruwa Aliyu, 22, confessed to their participation in the crime.

“They revealed that they had been hired to commit the act against her father-in-law, whom she accused of practicing witchcraft and causing her son’s death last year,” he added.

The police chief stated that two sticks, believed to have been used in committing the crime, were recovered as evidence.

According to the CP, they are anticipated to face court charges for criminal conspiracy and attempted culpable homicide.