The Niger State Police Command has arrested seven suspected cultists linked to the killing of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, student, Abdulwahab Jafar.
Police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday in Minna, saying the suspects were members of the Neo Black Movement of Africa (NBM), a group known for cult activities, robbery, and internet fraud.
According to Abiodun, the June 23 clash that claimed Abdulwahab’s life led to unrest in Lapai community, forcing Governor Mohammed Umar Bago to order a temporary closure of the school. He explained that tactical teams were deployed to restore peace, and since then, the command has carried out several intelligence-led operations.
“In a follow-up investigative effort of the Command, jointly carried out by TST and FID STS, a total of 19 persons were arrested in Lapai and other locations in the state. Investigation was narrowed down to seven suspects connected to the murder of Abdulwahab,” Abiodun stated.
The suspects in custody are Idris Hamza, 27, of Maikunkele; Suleiman Damilare, 27, of Maikunkele; Abdulsemiu Bashir, 23, of Lapai; Bawa Aliyu, 27, of Suleja; Yakubu Musa (alias Pypa), 24, of Maikunkele; Samson Abbah (alias Small), 28, of R/Yanshi; and Solomon Musa (alias Cabella), 28, of Maitumbi.
Abiodun revealed that Hamza and Damilare were first arrested on June 27 at Fadikpe with cannabis, charms, and a Toyota Corolla. “They confessed to being NBM members and admitted carrying out several cult activities in IBBUL, including initiation of members,” he said.
He added that their confession led to the arrest of Abdulsemiu Bashir, suspected to be a member of a rival cult group known as the Vikings. “Upon his arrest in Lapai at a motor park on June 29, he was found in possession of 16 SIM cards, a POS machine, and the sum of seventy-seven thousand naira,” Abiodun explained.
The police PRO stressed that investigation is ongoing to identify either NBM or Vikings members directly responsible for the attack.
He said, “Further development will be made public.”
