Nigerian Police Arrest Herbalist and Accomplices for Poisoning Woman to Death in ‘Evil Spirit’ Ritual
By Okafor Joseph Afam
December 12, 2024
The Niger State Police Command has apprehended three suspects in connection with the murder of Hadiza Umaru, a woman allegedly poisoned to death under the guise of treating “evil spirits.”
Hadiza was reported missing on December 1, 2024, in Bosso Local Government Area. Despite frantic search efforts, her disappearance remained a mystery until her brother, Habibu Umaru, was arrested and confessed to his involvement.
According to police investigations, Habibu deceitfully took his sister to a herbalist, identified as Aliyu Mallam Taiwe, in Taiwe village near Maitumbi. Along with his accomplice, Rabiu Aliyu, the herbalist administered a poisonous concoction, claiming it would rid Hadiza of supposed “evil spirits.” Tragically, the substance proved fatal.
The suspects admitted to burying her body in a shallow grave within Taiwe forest. Subsequent investigations by the police uncovered three additional shallow graves in the same area, raising suspicions of other possible victims.
During a press briefing at the Minna police headquarters, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Shawulu Danmamman, disclosed chilling details of the case.
“On December 5, 2024, a complaint was lodged at the Crack-Squad Unit regarding the disappearance of Hadiza Umaru, a resident of Garatu, Bosso. All efforts to locate her were initially unsuccessful. In the course of investigations, her brother, Habibu Umaru, became a prime suspect and was arrested,” Danmamman stated.
“Under interrogation, Habibu confessed to luring his sister to the herbalist. The herbalist, along with an accomplice, admitted to administering a poisonous substance which caused her immediate death. They then stripped the victim of her clothing and buried her in a shallow grave.”
The Commissioner added, “Our officers discovered three additional graves in the same area, indicating a pattern in the suspects’ actions. The case has been classified as criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide. Investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will be arraigned in court upon completion of the investigation.”
This tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the dangers of unverified traditional practices and the need for vigilance. Authorities have urged residents to report suspicious activities and individuals to the police to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
