The Bauchi State Police has arrested a suspect over the m8rder of a 30-year-old woman accused of witchcraft in Garin Malam Village, Gamawa Local Government Area of the state.
The victim, Habse Ubale, was attacked and hacked to d3ath by three suspects on July 28, 2026.
The spokesperson for the command, SP Nafiu Habib, who disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, July 31 said the suspects were being investigated for criminal conspiracy, house trespass, assault, and culpable homicide.
According to the statement, the incident was reported at the Gamawa Divisional Police Headquarters on July 29 by a resident of the community.
Habib said preliminary investigations revealed that at about 2:28 a.m. on July 28, the principal suspect, identified as Garba Daudu allegedly conspired with two others, Ya’u Garba and Musa, to invade the residence of Audu Sabo, where they attacked his wife, Habse and two children.
“The Bauchi State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a tragic incident involving criminal conspiracy, house trespass, assault, and culpable homicide that occurred in Garin Malam Village, Gamawa Local Government Area,” the statement read.
“In light of the above, on 29th July 2026 at about 0830hrs, a 45-years-old man, resident of Garin Malam Village, reported to Gamawa Division that on 28th July 2026 at about 0228hrs, one Garba Daudu ‘m’, aged 35 years, of the same address, allegedly conspired and sent two other persons, Ya’u Garba and Musa (other names unknown), both males of the same address, to unlawfully enter the residence of one Audu Sabo ‘m’, aged 38 years.
“According to the report, the suspects attacked Audu Sabo on the allegation that his wife, Habse Ubale ‘f’, aged 30 years, was a witch.
Consequently, during the attack, the suspects also assaulted 12-years-old Sale Audu ‘m’ and 14-years-old Yakubu Audu ‘m’ with sticks, and macheted the said Habse Ubale.
“As a result of the assault, all the victims sustained varying degrees of serious injuries.
“Upon receipt of the report, a team of Police operatives, hunters, and vigilantes, immediately mobilized to the scene.
“Thereafter, the victims were evacuated to the General Hospital Gamawa for medical treatment.
“Sadly, Habse Ubale was confirmed dead by a medical doctor at the hospital. Following due process, photographs were taken and the corpse was subsequently released to her relatives for burial.
“Meanwhile, one victim was admitted for further medical treatment, while the other two victims were treated and discharged.
“In response to the incident, Police operatives swung into action and one suspect has been promptly arrested.
“However, two other suspects are currently at large. In view of this, concerted efforts are being intensified to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
“At present, preliminary investigation has been concluded and the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Bauchi, for discreet investigation and possible prosecution.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, mni, psc(+), has condemned the act in its entirety and warned against jungle justice and violence predicated on superstition.
“In addition, he reassured members of the public that the Command remains committed to ensuring that justice is served and that all perpetrators are brought to book.
“The Command further urges the public to remain calm, law-abiding, and to provide credible information that will aid in the arrest of the remaining suspects.”