Two Suspects arrested by Police for murder of woman accused of witchcraf

The Biu Police Area Command has detained two suspects in connection with the murder of a 50-year-old woman accused of witchcraft practices.

The Commissioner of Police, Borno Command, Mr Yusuf Lawan confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) via telephone interview on Saturday.

Lawan said the deceased, Hajara Saleh, was murdered on Feb 21, in Bantine community in Biu Local Government Area of Borno.

He gave the names of the suspects as Ja’o Muhammad, Idrisa Muhammad and Ya’u Muhammad aged between 20 and 30 years.

The commissioner said the suspects allegedly conspired to kill the victim, accusing her of practicing witchcraft and bringing misfortune to the community.

Lawan said the woman sustained injuries on her neck, legs, and hands, resulting to her death.

He said that the police were alerted of the alleged crime by a residents of Dadinkowa Gunda ward who reported the incident at about 11:00 a.m.

“Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered that the victim had already been buried according to Islamic rites by her husband, Saleh Bole, and other family members,” the commissioner said.

Lawan explained that in spite of the burial, police investigators managed to photograph the victim’s remains and gather critical evidence.

He added that two suspects were arrested immediately, while one was still at large, assuring that the police had launched a manhunt to apprehend the fleeing suspect.

The commissioner described the attack as barbaric and unjustified, warning that accusations of witchcraft should not be used as an excuse for violence or extrajudicial killings.

“The police are fully committed to bringing all those responsible for this heinous crime to justice. The public must understand that the law does not permit people to take matters into their own hands,” he said

According to him, the suspects are facing charges of criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, and other related offenses, noting that they would be prosecuted once investigations are concluded.

Lawan therefore, urged community members to report suspicions of witchcraft or other grievances to the police rather than resorting to jungle justice. (NAN)

JUST IN; Retired Police officers plan public protest over stalled Pension bills

The Kaduna State Chapter of Retired Police Officers has declared that it will stage a nonviolent demonstration in Abuja on Tuesday to demand that two important pension measures that are presently stuck in the Senate be passed.

The declaration was made in a press release by CSP Mannir Lawal Zaria (retd), Chairman of the Retirees’ Kaduna State Chapter, after their monthly general meeting at the Kaduna Police Officers’ Mess.

In order to create the Nigeria Police Pension Board and remove the Nigeria Police from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), the retired officers are pleading with the National Assembly to approve two legislation.

The protest will take place at the National Assembly premises in Abuja, where the retirees intend to press for the exclusion of police retirees from the CPS and the creation of a dedicated police pension board.

CSP Zaria, speaking on behalf of the retirees, expressed deep concern about the dire living conditions of police pensioners.

“In just one week, seven retirees have passed away due to extreme poverty,” he said, emphasising the struggles many retirees face in their post-service years.

The retirees lamented the ongoing challenges they face, including the inability to afford education for their children, from primary school to university, and the rising costs of healthcare.

Many have reported losing the respect of their families due to their dire financial situation. “Our members can no longer provide for their families, and we have lost all dignity,” Zaria added.

In addition, the retirees voiced concerns over a new pension scheme allegedly being proposed by the Nigeria Police, called the “100 and 80% Pension Scheme.”

According to the retirees, this scheme would grant police officers from Assistant Commissioner of Police to Commissioner of Police 100% of their salaries as pension, while officers ranging from Chief Superintendent of Police to Constable would only receive 80% of their salaries.

The retirees are strongly opposed to this, as they believe it unfairly discriminates against lower-ranked officers.

The planned protest is set to serve as a call for justice and recognition of the sacrifices made by retired police officers in the service of the nation.

JUST IN; Governor, IGP hail retiring CP after 33 years in Service

Following an impressive 33 years of service, CP Ayodele Sonubi, the Commissioner of Police for Oyo State, has formally resigned from the Nigerian Police Force.

Sonubi was recognized for his strategic contributions to law enforcement and his dedication to the security of Oyo State and Nigeria during the retirement ceremony, which was held on Friday at the Force Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan.

AIG Fayoade Adegoke of Zone II, speaking on behalf of Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, praised Sonubi’s professionalism and called him a committed officer whose legacy would live on in the force.

Adegoke highlighted that retirement offers a moment of reflection on years of sacrifice, emphasising Sonubi’s immense contributions to public safety.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Security Matters, Compol Fatai Owoseni, praised Sonubi as a man of integrity and a seasoned professional who had dedicated his service to the state. He also expressed optimism about Sonubi’s future endeavors, encouraging junior officers to look up to his remarkable career as an example.

“CP Sonubi’s legacy of professionalism and inter-agency collaboration will continue to guide the Oyo State Police Command and serve as a benchmark for law enforcement in the state,” Makinde said.

Brigadier General H. I. Dasuki, Garrison Commander of the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, spoke highly of the collaboration between the Nigerian Army and the Oyo State Police Command under Sonubi’s leadership. He assured that this strong partnership would continue beyond Sonubi’s retirement.

Alhaji Mogaji Aramide Olaniyan, National President of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), lauded Sonubi as a trusted friend and pillar of support for the community.

Meanwhile, Barrister Niyi Ajewole, President General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), praised Sonubi’s commitment to swift and effective community policing, particularly his prompt response to distress calls.

Reflecting on his career, Sonubi acknowledged the challenges he faced throughout his tenure, noting how his demanding job had impacted his personal life. However, he expressed gratitude for ending his service on a high note, with a sense of fulfillment and joy.

The retiring police chief also took the opportunity to thank his wife, Mrs. Monisola Sonubi, for her unwavering support throughout the years, pledging to devote more time to his family in retirement.

The event was graced by dignitaries such as Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, MNI, Head of Service of Oyo State; High Chief Kolawole, Otun Balogun of Ibadan; and other top security officials from Oyo State.