The unfolding saga surrounding the tragic murder of retired Niger State Permanent Secretary, Adamu Jagaba, has taken another grim turn as the principal suspect, 18-year-old Fatiyah Abdulhakeem, died in police custody under mysterious circumstances.
Details of Abdulhakeem’s Death
The Niger State Police Command confirmed Abdulhakeem’s death on Thursday, December 19, 2024. According to SP Wasiu Abiodun, the Command’s spokesperson, Abdulhakeem had complained of severe stomach pain and coughing while in detention.
He was promptly taken to Minna General Hospital for medical attention but succumbed while receiving treatment. The police have deposited his body at the hospital morgue, pending a postmortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
Background of the Case
Adamu Jagaba, the retired Permanent Secretary, was brutally murdered at his block industry near the PDP Secretariat in Minna on December 7, 2024. The assailants reportedly stabbed Jagaba in the neck and inflicted blunt-force trauma to his head.
Shortly after the crime, Abdulhakeem was paraded by the Niger State Commissioner of Police, Shawulu Ebenezer Danmama. During the parade, Abdulhakeem confessed to his role in the murder, implicating the victim’s employees and detailing a chilling sequence of events leading to the attack.
The Confession
In a video confession, Abdulhakeem narrated how Jagaba’s workers, Abata Love and Baba Soyaya, provided information about the victim’s daily routine, setting the stage for the murder.
“They said we should come by 10:30 am because their boss usually arrives by that time,” Abdulhakeem disclosed.
On the day of the incident, Abdulhakeem approached Jagaba under the guise of assisting him with work-related tasks. After gaining his trust, Abdulhakeem struck when Jagaba turned away, stabbing him in the neck and hitting him with a stapler. He then fled the scene in the victim’s Toyota Camry, intending to sell the car for N4 million.
Abdulhakeem later expressed regret, claiming he had never killed before and that his gang typically only stabbed victims to steal phones and valuables.
Public Outcry and Investigations
Abdulhakeem’s sudden death in custody has raised eyebrows, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his demise.
While the police continue to investigate Jagaba’s murder and pursue the remaining suspects, Abdulhakeem’s death has cast a shadow over the case, adding a new layer of complexity and scrutiny.
What’s Next?
The Niger State Police Command has pledged to provide updates on the investigation into both Abdulhakeem’s death and the broader murder case. For now, the focus remains on apprehending the remaining suspects involved in the heinous crime.
Jagaba’s death and Abdulhakeem’s demise in custody underscore the tragic consequences of violence and the urgent need for justice.