A shocking case of alleged murder has rocked Bauchi State, where a 20-year-old woman is accused of masterminding the brutal killing of her father-in-law.
The young woman, Rakiya Ya’u, reportedly planned the crime because she believed her father-in-law practiced witchcraft.
According to the Bauchi State Police Command, Rakiya blamed her father-in-law, Damina Lamba, for her son’s death last year.
Rakiya, consumed with grief and anger, allegedly sought revenge, convinced that her father-in-law’s “witchcraft” was responsible.
The tragedy unfolded in Misau Local Government Area, where Damina’s body was found in a bush between Wuro Dangogo and Sarma village.
He was discovered lifeless, with clear signs of a violent attack to his head.
The Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Auwal Musa Muhammad, briefed journalists on Friday at the Police Headquarters on Yandoka Road.
He confirmed that Damina’s body showed severe head injuries, indicating a brutal and deliberate attack.
Commissioner Muhammad described the incident as “heart-wrenching,” calling it an act of “misguided anger fueled by superstitions.”
“Mr. Lamba suffered a brutal end,” he said, “and our operatives are committed to uncovering the truth behind this crime.”
Upon discovering Damina’s body, the Misau Divisional Police officers acted immediately.
They transported his remains to General Hospital Misau, where doctors confirmed that he had died from his injuries.
From there, the police launched an intense investigation to track down those involved in the crime.
The investigation led to the arrest of three individuals on October 30, 2024.
All three suspects are residents of Wuro Dangogo in Sarma Ward.
The suspects include two men, Abdu Lamba, 20, and Ruwa Aliyu, 22, as well as Rakiya Ya’u, the alleged mastermind.
During police interrogation, Abdu and Ruwa reportedly confessed their roles in the crime.
The men claimed that Rakiya had hired them to kill her father-in-law, paying them to carry out her deadly plan.
The Commissioner of Police explained that Rakiya’s motive stemmed from her deep belief in witchcraft.
“Rakiya believed her father-in-law practiced witchcraft, which she blamed for her child’s death,” Muhammad revealed.
Driven by this belief, Rakiya allegedly decided to seek revenge, enlisting the help of Abdu and Ruwa.
The two men reportedly used sticks as weapons in the attack, which were later recovered from the scene.
Police officials have stated that all three suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.
In many parts of Nigeria, especially in rural communities, suspicions of witchcraft are not uncommon.
Such beliefs can sometimes lead to violent confrontations, as seen in this case.
The police emphasized the importance of caution and warned against taking the law into one’s own hands.
“Superstition should not justify crime,” Commissioner Muhammad stated firmly.
“Our role is to ensure justice, not to condone personal revenge or extrajudicial punishment.”
The police have assured the public that they will proceed carefully and thoroughly with the investigation.
They stressed that no person has the right to commit murder under any circumstance.
“This case is a reminder that accusations of witchcraft, however strong, do not excuse violence,” Muhammad noted.
“We are here to uphold justice, and we will do so fairly and without prejudice.”
