Tea vendor arrested for killing 20-year-old over alleged theft in Jigawa

A tea vendor, Abdulrashidu Ya’u, has been arrested in Jigawa State for allegedly killing a 20-year-old man, Hassan Garba, over accusations of stealing bread, milk, noodles, and petrol.

The incident reportedly occurred on August 19, 2024, at around 5:00 AM in Sararai village, Jigawar Tsada town, Dutse Local Government Area.

The Police Public Relations Officer for the Jigawa State Command, DSP Lawan Adam, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Tuesday.

According to Adam, a patrol team responded quickly to the report, apprehending the suspect and transporting the victim to Rasheed Shekoni Teaching Hospital for emergency care.

Unfortunately, the medical team declared Garba dead upon arrival. His body was examined, photographed, and later released to his family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

The suspect admitted during interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Dutse that the deceased had upset him by stealing his goods to the point where he had informed his parents about it, but nothing had been done.

“Upon apprehending the deceased at this point, he made the decision to tie him with a rope and began striking him with a whip in secret”, the PPRO further revealed.

He pointed out that neighbours within the vicinity heard the deceased’s cries for help, but they were unable to save him until the arrival of police officers.

Adam assured that upon completion of the discreet investigation, the suspect will be diligently arraigned in court to face the full wrath of the law.

Similarly, the Police spokesperson said on August 20, 2024, at about 3 pm, one Mamuda Yusuf, ‘m’ of Kadume village, Malam madori LGA reported at Hadejia ‘A’ Division that, on the same date at about 1500hrs his jinchen motorcycle, black in colour, without reg no was stolen at Hadejia General Hospital, noting that on receipt of the report, policemen on patrol were alerted.

He disclosed that on August 21, 2024, at about 7 am, one Aliyu Aliyu ‘m’ age 24yrs of Gagulmari Quarters, Hadejia LGA was arrested and the stolen motorcycle was found in his possession.

“During the interrogation process at the Divisional Crime Branch Hadejia, the suspect admitted to committing the alleged offence.

“The suspect has since been charged to court for prosecution”, he said.