Fatiha Abdulhakeem, the 18-year-old suspect accused of murdering former Niger State Permanent Secretary, Adamu Jagaba, has reportedly died while receiving treatment at Minna General Hospital. This development was confirmed by the Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, on Wednesday.
Details of the Incident
According to Abiodun, the suspect complained of severe stomach pain and was rushed to the hospital, where he later passed away. “The suspect complained of severe stomach pain and was taken to the General Hospital, Minna, for medical attention and died while receiving treatment,” Abiodun said.
However, sources who preferred to remain anonymous alleged that Abdulhakeem died in police custody, where he was being held pending the conclusion of investigations.
Confession and Crime
Days before his death, Abdulhakeem was paraded at the Niger State Police Headquarters, Minna, by Commissioner of Police Shawulu Danmamman. During the parade, he confessed to the gruesome murder of Jagaba, detailing how he stabbed the retired permanent secretary in the head and neck at his block industry office, located near the PDP Secretariat in Minna.
Abdulhakeem implicated several workers of the late Jagaba’s block industry, claiming they conspired with him to execute the crime. He also confessed to fleeing the scene with Jagaba’s Toyota Camry vehicle, which was later intercepted by police operatives.
Background of the Crime
On December 7, 2024, Jagaba, who had retired from the Niger State Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and operated a block moulding business, was attacked and fatally stabbed in his office. His body was discovered after police visited the scene, following reports of an incident of culpable homicide.
The victim’s stolen vehicle was intercepted later that evening in Bosso Estate Road, Minna. Abdulhakeem, who worked as a panel beater, was apprehended while driving the stolen car.
Confession to Murder
During interrogation, Abdulhakeem revealed chilling details of the crime. He admitted that he had conspired with workers at the block industry, who provided him with information about Jagaba’s schedule.
He disclosed that on the day of the incident, he visited Jagaba under the pretext of discussing repairs to the victim’s vehicle. Abdulhakeem then stabbed Jagaba multiple times in the head and neck and struck him with a stapler before fleeing with the car.
The suspect also confessed to being part of a larger gang involved in similar criminal activities and provided names of his accomplices to the police.
Public Reactions and Allegations
The suspect’s sudden death has sparked speculation and allegations from community members about possible foul play. Calls for transparency in the investigation of Abdulhakeem’s death have emerged, with many questioning the circumstances surrounding his demise in custody.
Police Response and Investigation
The Niger State Police Command maintains that Abdulhakeem’s death was due to medical complications, not any misconduct by law enforcement. The Commissioner of Police emphasized that efforts to apprehend the suspect’s alleged accomplices are ongoing and that investigations into both the murder and the suspect’s death will continue.
Community Impact
The murder of Jagaba has left the community in shock, highlighting issues of security and trust within local businesses. Residents have called for swift action against all individuals involved in the crime to ensure justice for the deceased and restore a sense of safety in the area.
As investigations progress, the public awaits clarity on the fate of Abdulhakeem’s alleged accomplices and the circumstances surrounding his death. This case serves as a grim reminder of the far-reaching consequences of crime and its impact on individuals and communities alike.
