The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested 23-year-old Iliayasu Mohammed for allegedly murdering his friend, Safillahi Muhammad, after inviting him over for a meal in Dantata Village, Abuja.

The tragic incident, which occurred on Thursday, February 13, 2025, has shocked residents, as it was revealed that Mohammed attacked his friend with a cutlass after serving him food.

How the Incident Unfolded

According to a statement from the FCT Police Command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, operatives responded to a distress call at around 1:30 PM on February 13, reporting a suspected homicide in Dantata Village, Abuja.

“Officers quickly mobilized to the scene, where they found Muhammad lying unconscious in a pool of blood, with multiple cutlass wounds on his head and body,” Adeh stated.

The victim was rushed to a hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Initial police investigations revealed chilling details about the attack. According to reports, Mohammed invited his friend over, served him food, and while he was eating, launched a brutal attack on him using a cutlass.

Suspect’s Criminal Background and Motive

Further police investigations uncovered that Mohammed is an ex-convict with known affiliations to a notorious criminal syndicate specializing in motorcycle theft.

During interrogation, he reportedly confessed to the killing and provided key information about the criminal operations of his gang.

Adeh explained, “Mohammed disclosed that he is part of a criminal syndicate led by a wanted gang leader named Hassan, who is currently on the run. This syndicate is known for targeting motorcyclists, robbing them of their vehicles, and engaging in other illicit activities.”

It remains unclear whether Mohammed’s attack on his friend was connected to the gang’s criminal operations or if there was a personal dispute between them. However, law enforcement officials have stated that investigations are still ongoing to uncover further details about the case.

Police Launch Manhunt for Other Suspects

With Mohammed now in custody, police have intensified their efforts to track down other members of the criminal gang, including their leader, Hassan.

“The police are actively pursuing other members of the gang who have fled, and Mohammed will be charged in court once the investigation is completed,” Adeh confirmed.

In response to the shocking murder, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, has urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies.

“The command is dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of all residents. We encourage the public to cooperate with law enforcement by providing any useful information that could lead to the capture of other gang members still at large,” the police commissioner stated.

Community Reaction and Security Concerns

The gruesome murder of Safillahi Muhammad has left many in Dantata Village and surrounding communities in shock, with residents calling for increased security measures.

Some locals have expressed fears over the rising cases of violent crime in Abuja, particularly in rural and suburban areas, where criminal gangs are known to operate.

Many have also questioned how an ex-convict like Mohammed was able to re-integrate into society without proper monitoring, highlighting concerns over the justice system’s effectiveness in rehabilitating criminals.

Next Steps in the Investigation

With Mohammed now in police custody, authorities are expected to:

• Complete their investigation and formally charge him in court.
• Continue the manhunt for other gang members, particularly their leader, Hassan.
• Engage the public in intelligence gathering to prevent further criminal activities.

The murder of Safillahi Muhammad serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of rising violent crime in Nigeria’s capital and the need for stronger law enforcement measures to curb criminal activities in the region.