Police Arrests Student For Cultism And Chopping Off His Stepmother's Hand In Niger State

The arrested suspects

Three students of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University have been arrested by the Niger State Police Command for alleged involvement in cultism.

Spokesman of the Command, Wasiu Abiodun, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, noted that the arrest of the suspects was based on credible intelligence.

According to the PPRO, police operatives attached to Lapai Div arrested the suspects; Tanko Augustine Solomon, 27, of Maikunkele, Idris Hamza,25, of Maikunkele and Idris Hayatullahi,25, of Lokoja, Kogi State.

Abiodun said they were arrested in their various residences, off-campus in Lapai for being suspected to be cult members.

“During interrogation, the suspects claimed to be IBBU students, as Tanko confessed that they belong to the Neo-black movement (NBM) and his mission was to initiate more students from the school to fight for the black racism movement," the PPRO said.

Further investigation revealed that Tanko has been leading fights to other campuses and that he severed his stepmother’s left hand recently over a mere argument at Maikunkele area of Minna.

“Exhibits recovered from Tanko Solomon include; One locally-made pistol with five cartridges, two axes, one red regalia with the inscription of NBM, two packets of white candles and eight pieces of red candles. One packet of razor blades, two mosquito spray, two lighters, and four kola nuts”

He disclosed that the suspects have been charged to court for prosecution, and effort was ongoing to arrest other members of the cult group.