Olusegun Ariyo
The Niger State Police Command has arrested a herbalist, Aliyu Mallam Taiwe, along with two accomplices, for their alleged involvement in the poisoning and murder of Hadiza Umaru in Bosso Local Government Area.
Hadiza reported missing on December 1, 2024, was allegedly lured by her brother, Habibu Umaru, to the herbalist for a supposed exorcism ritual to “drive out evil spirits.”
Niger State Commissioner of Police, Shawulu Danmamman, revealed that during interrogation, Habibu confessed to taking his sister to Taiwe’s residence in Maitumbi.
Taiwe and another accomplice, Rabiu Aliyu, admitted to administering a poisonous substance to Hadiza under the guise of treatment. The substance, however, caused her immediate death.
The suspects reportedly stripped Hadiza of her clothes and buried her in a shallow grave in Taiwe forest near Maitumbi.
Police investigations led to the discovery of three additional shallow graves in the area, suspected to be linked to similar crimes.
“On December 5th, 2024, a complaint of a missing person was reported at the Crack-Squad Unit that one Hadiza Umaru residing in Garatu, Bosso was discovered missing on December 1st, 2024 and all efforts to locate her proved abortive.
“In the course of the investigation, one Habibu Umaru of Angwan-Maigari, Garatu Bosso was strongly suspected of the disappearance of the victim and he was arrested,” Danmamman stated.
The suspects are being held on charges of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide. The Commissioner confirmed that further investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will be charged in court upon completion.
