The Biu Police Area Command has detained two suspects in connection with the murder of a 50-year-old woman accused of practising witchcraft in Borno State.
Borno State Commissioner of Police, Yusuf Lawan, confirmed the incident on Saturday, identifying the victim as Hajara Saleh, who was killed on February 21 in the Bantine community, Biu Local Government Area.
The suspects—Ja’o Muhammad, Idrisa Muhammad, and Ya’u Muhammad—aged between 20 and 30, allegedly conspired to kill Saleh, accusing her of bringing misfortune to the community.
Lawan revealed that the woman sustained fatal injuries to her neck, legs, and hands. The crime was reported by residents of Dadinkowa Gunda ward 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,” Lawan said.
Despite the burial, investigators documented the remains and gathered crucial evidence. Two suspects were immediately arrested, while one remains at large. A manhunt has been launched to apprehend the fleeing suspect.
Describing the attack as “barbaric and unjustified,” Lawan warned that accusations of witchcraft should not be used to justify 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 stated.
The suspects face charges of criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, and related offences. They will be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations.
Lawan urged community members to report suspicions of witchcraft or other grievances to the police rather than resorting to jungle justice.
