The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the alleged murder of tea seller Muhammad Auwal Idris.
Idris was fatally assaulted on September 28, 2026, at Banga, Nassarawo Borehole, Jimeta.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on October 1, saying the suspects were apprehended following sustained collaboration and intelligence-led investigations.
The suspects were identified as Isah Yakubu, also known as Sangalo, 20, of Nassarawo, Jimeta; Japhet Hassan, aka Slow, 24, of Banga, Nassarawo; and Eric Alfred, aka Mamaji, 19, of Nassarawo, Jimeta.
According to the police, preliminary investigations indicate that the incident followed an earlier altercation after Yakubu allegedly took a cigarette from a shop without paying.
Idris, who was reportedly at the scene to purchase seasoning, became involved in the argument.
The police said Yakubu allegedly invited Hassan and Alfred the following day, after which the trio reportedly trailed Idris to his workplace and assaulted him, leaving him unconscious.
Idris was rushed to a hospital, where a medical doctor later pronounced him dead.
Following the report, the Commissioner of Police, CP Kabir Umar Hassan, ordered an intensive manhunt for the suspects. The police said the three suspects fled to Taraba State but were subsequently tracked down and arrested.
The Commissioner commended the officers involved for their diligence and professionalism and directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to ensure a thorough investigation and diligent prosecution of the case.
The command also assured the deceased’s family and members of the public that justice would be pursued, while urging residents to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
The police appealed to eyewitnesses and members of the public with relevant information to come forward and assist with the investigation.
The command said further developments would be communicated as the investigation progresses.
