The Borno State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with the murder of a 50-year-old woman, Hajara Saleh, who was accused of witchcraft in Bantine, Biu Local Government Area.
Confirming the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Yusuf Lawan, stated that the crime took place on February 21. The arrested suspects, identified as Ja’o Muhammad and Idrisa Muhammad, along with a third suspect, Ya’u Muhammad—who is currently at large—allegedly conspired to kill the woman, blaming her for misfortunes in their community.
Lawan revealed that the victim suffered severe injuries on her neck, legs, and hands, which led to her death. The police received a report of the incident around 11:00 a.m. from a resident of Dadinkowa Gunda ward.
“Upon reaching the scene, officers discovered that the victim had already been buried according to Islamic rites by her husband, Saleh Bole, and other family members,” Lawan said.
Despite the burial, investigators documented evidence, including photographs of the deceased, and arrested two suspects while launching a manhunt for the third suspect.
Condemning the killing, Lawan described the act as inhumane and warned against jungle justice.
He emphasized that accusations of witchcraft do not justify violence, adding that the suspects would be prosecuted for criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide once investigations are concluded.
The commissioner urged residents to report any suspicions to law enforcement agencies rather than resorting to unlawful actions.
