By Femi Osinusi
The Niger State Police Command has confirmed a series of arrests across the state in connection with cult-related killings, armed robbery, theft, and other crimes, as part of its renewed crackdown on violent groups and criminal syndicates.
IBBUL Cult-Related Killing: 19 Arrested, 7 Shortlisted as Key Suspects
Police said investigations into the June 23, 2025 killing of 23-year-old student Abdulwahab Jafar of IBB University, Lapai, have led to the arrest of 19 individuals, later narrowed down to seven suspects.
The suspects, identified as members of rival cult groups — Neo Black Movement (NBM) and Vikings — were arrested in Lapai, Minna, and Suleja. Police said they face charges including criminal conspiracy, robbery, unlawful society, internet fraud, unlawful possession of weapons, and suspected culpable homicide.
The suspects include:
- Idris Hamza (27), Suleiman Damilare (27), Yakubu Musa a.k.a Pypa (24) – all of Maikunkele.
- Abdulsemiu Bashir (23) of Lapai.
- Bawa Aliyu (27) of Suleja.
- Samson Abbah a.k.a Small (28) of Rafin-Yanshi, a former student of Federal Polytechnic Bida.
- Solomon Musa a.k.a Cabella (28) of Maitumbi.
Police say the suspects confessed to participating in cult initiations, armed robberies in student lodges, and violent attacks. Some were also found with stolen SIM cards, charms, cannabis, and dangerous weapons.
Investigations are ongoing to identify the cultists directly responsible for Jafar’s killing, which authorities confirmed was cult-related.
Four Robbery Suspects Arrested in Suleja
In a separate operation, police in Suleja arrested four men accused of robbing a resident at about 4 a.m. on September 6. The suspects reportedly invaded the victim’s home, assaulted him, and stole several items including mobile phones, a plasma TV, and solar panels.
The suspects – Umar Abubakar (24), Ibrahim Lawali (18), Sirajo Musa (25), and Adamu Lawal (25) – were traced through forensic and technical intelligence. Police said Lawal was caught with 12 ATM cards, while Musa was linked to the crime after returning to pick up slippers he left behind at the crime scene.
Fish Farm Theft: Three Arrested for Receiving Stolen Property
On September 8, two suspects allegedly conspired to steal fish worth ₦750,000 from a farm in Lapai-Gwari. One of the accused, Hussaini Garba, was arrested and confessed to selling the fish to three buyers — Ahmed Yusuf, Ibrahim Musa, and Abdulazeez Bawa — all of whom were later arrested. The case has been charged to court.
Motorcycle Theft Cases
Police also reported multiple arrests in connection with motorcycle theft:
- On September 9, operatives in Minna intercepted Bashir Yahaya (23) with stolen motorcycle parts in a tricycle. He confessed to stealing two motorcycles in Fadikpe and selling their parts in Minna markets.
- In Rijau, police arrested Lawali Bello (27) of Iri Village on September 4 with a stolen Bajaj motorcycle linked to a burglary in the area. He has since been charged to court.
Police spokesperson SP W.A. Abiodun said all suspects are in custody while investigations continue, stressing that the Command remains committed to tackling cultism, armed robbery, and theft across Niger State.
