Police Arrest Three Suspects for Assaulting Council Chairman in Niger

The Niger State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the assault on Danladi Abdullahi Saku, Chairman of Katcha Local Government.

Saku was brutally beaten on June 16, 2024, by his assailants for allegedly failing to repay a political campaign loan of over N1 million. The attack occurred along the Saku-Gadza road after the Sallah prayer in his village, Saku, Katcha LGA.

According to a statement by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) SP Wasiu Abiodun in Minna, the attack stemmed from a debt issue between the Chairman and his creditor from the same area. A preliminary investigation conducted at Katcha Division led to the identification and arrest of three suspects, who were later transferred to Bida Area Command.

The suspects are Alhaji Abdullahi Kasimu, 68, of Gadza village, Katcha; Alhaji Baba Mohammed, 30, of the same village; and Ahmadu Mohammed, 25.

“The suspects were transferred to SCID on June 21 for discreet investigation and prosecution. During interrogation, Alhaji Kasimu explained that he lent the victim over a million naira in August 2023 and had made several unsuccessful attempts to recover the money,” the statement read.

“On June 16, the victim promised to come and see him. While he was on his way after the Sallah prayer, his son Ahmadu Mohammed and his in-law Alhaji Baba Mohammed, among others, confronted the Chairman. An altercation ensued, during which they inflicted serious injuries on the victim. The victim transferred the money to him on the spot before being rushed to the hospital.”

The PRO added that the suspects are under investigation at SCID, Minna, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend others involved in the attack. “They will be charged to court for prosecution immediately after investigations,” the statement concluded.