By Nicholas Ojo
The Niger State Police Command says it arrested four men accused of offering their biological children for human sacrifice in an alleged attempt to acquire wealth through money rituals in Minna. A native doctor was also arrested.
Related: Police arrest a suspect in a separate crime investigation
Key Highlights
- Niger Police arrested four fathers and a 40-year-old native doctor over alleged money ritual plans.
- The suspects were identified as Ibrahim Mohammed Hamisu, 43; Abubakar Abdullahi, 40; Aliyu Sule, 25; Mohammed Idris Dogara, 57; and Shehu Abubakar, 40.
- Police said the arrests took place in the Garima area of Bosso, Minna, on October 27, 2026.
- Items reportedly recovered included calabashes, chickens, a blood-stained knife, clothing and a mat.
- Police said the suspects were undergoing further investigation before prosecution.
In a crime bulletin issued on Thursday, November 5, Police Public Relations Officer SP Wasiu Abiodun disclosed the arrests. A report by Zagazola Makama said the suspects were arrested at about 8:30 p.m. on October 27 after operatives received intelligence about suspected ritual activity at an isolated compound in the Garima area.
How Niger Police Uncovered the Alleged Money Ritual Plot
According to the police account, four men had approached the native doctor to perform a money ritual using a human skeleton allegedly discovered during mining activities. The native doctor reportedly declined at first, saying he did not provide such services.
The four men allegedly persisted and offered their biological children as sacrifices in exchange for money. Police said the native doctor then instructed each man to buy a chicken and meet at a designated location.
Operatives attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit reportedly moved in while preparations were underway. Police said Aliyu Sule was holding a blood-stained knife and preparing to slaughter his chicken, while three other chickens had already been slaughtered.
Items Police Say Were Recovered
The command said officers recovered items they believed were connected with the alleged ritual. They included:
- Blood-stained red and white clothing.
- Four calabashes.
- Two live chickens and three slaughtered chickens.
- A blood-stained knife.
- A large mat on which the items had been arranged.
Police said the suspects made statements during interrogation and were undergoing further investigation ahead of possible prosecution. The allegations have not been tested in court, and all five suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Niger Police Condemn Ritual-Related Crimes
The Niger State Police Command condemned ritual-related crimes and other violent offences, and said it remained committed to protecting lives and property across the state.
Abiodun urged residents to stay vigilant and promptly report suspicious activity to security agencies. The command encouraged members of the public to provide credible information that could help prevent crime and protect vulnerable people.
Read also:
- Police Arrest 36-Year-Old Suspect, Recover Stolen Lexus RX 330 in Cross River
- Edo State Arrests Suspected Organ Harvester, Cultist, Demolishes Buildings in Uromi, Ewatto
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