By: Bayero Ade
The 18-year-old suspect accused of killing former Niger State Permanent Secretary, Adamu Jagaba, has died in the Minna General Hospital, the Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed.
According to Punch, Abiodun explained on Wednesday that Fatiha Abdulhakeem, the suspect, had complained of severe stomach pain and was taken to the hospital for treatment, where he later passed away.
However, a local source, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed that Abdulhakeem died in police custody in Minna while assisting with the ongoing investigation into the murder.
Abdulhakeem had been paraded by the police at their Minna headquarters, where he confessed to fatally stabbing Jagaba at his block industry office. He implicated several of Jagaba’s staff, claiming they had hired him to carry out the killing.
The police had arrested Abdulhakeem, a panel beater, for allegedly stabbing Jagaba in the head and neck before stealing his Toyota Camry. Jagaba, who had retired from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, also ran a block molding business in Minna.
According to Abiodun, the police received a report on December 7, 2024, about a homicide at Jagaba’s block industry along the Eastern Bye-Pass in Minna.
The assailant had attacked Jagaba, stabbed him, and taken his vehicle. Jagaba later died from his injuries in the hospital.
Following the circulation of the stolen vehicle’s details, the police intercepted it along Bosso Estate Road in Minna that same evening. Abdulhakeem was arrested at the scene.
During questioning, Abdulhakeem admitted to being a car painter for Jagaba and explained that he had visited the block industry under the pretense of discussing a car repair.
He confessed to stabbing Jagaba multiple times and using a stapler to strike him before fleeing with the vehicle.
Abdulhakeem also named other members of the group, claiming they had provided him with information to help carry out the murder.
Police are continuing efforts to locate the other suspects, and Abdulhakeem was expected to face charges once the investigation is completed.
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