Two men have been arrested by the Bauchi State Police Command in connection with the alleged murder of a 45-year-old man, Ezekiel Samaila, over witchcraft accusations.
The suspects identified as Ezekiel Simon, 18, of Ndit village, Bogoro local government area of the state, and Lumana Zakka, 29, of Zuya village, were arrested following Police investigation.
A statement signed by Police Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, said the deceased Ezekiel Samaila was reported missing on September 24, 2024, after leaving his residence to watch a football match in Nera village.
“Tragically, his body was discovered the following day along a roadside near his home, with his motorcycle and mobile phone notably missing. Upon receiving the report, the State Intelligence Department promptly launched an investigation. This led to the arrest of Ezekiel Simon, who was found in possession of the deceased’s mobile phone,” Wakil said.
According to Police spokesman, Ezekiel Simon confessed to colluding with Lumana Zakka to assault and brutally kill the victim, who happened to be Lumana’s uncle, by smashing a pestle on his head several times.
The PPRO added that;
“During interrogation, Lumana Zakka claimed he acted out of grievances and revenge, accusing Ezekiel Samaila of being responsible for the deaths of several family members, including his mother, two sisters, and two daughters. As the investigation progressed, the stolen mobile phone was recovered.”
Also, the suspects had sold the deceased’s motorcycle for N400,000, but police said it was making an effort to recover the motorcycle from the buyer.
Wakil revealed that the suspects will be charged with criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, and culpable homicide under sections 97, 85, and 221(a) of the Penal Code upon the completion of the investigation.
