The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested two suspects identified as Hassan Ismaila and Mohammed Sani, for starving their relative to death over witchcraft allegations.

The police command said the suspects tied the hands and legs of their 34-year-old cousin, and kept him in a room for a long period until he died.

The acting Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa, Shettima Mohammed, made this known at the command’s headquarters in Lafia, during a press briefing on Monday.

He said, “On November 30, 2023 around1930hrs, based on credible information that one Mohammed Sani ‘M’ of Agyaragu Tofa was tied on both hands and legs and locked up in a room where he starved to death and was hurriedly buried by his family members on the allegation of witchcraft.

“Police operatives attached to ‘A’ Division, Lafia swung into action and got the duo of Hassan Ismail and Mohammed Sani all males of Agyaragu Tofa arrested.

“Efforts are ongoing to arrest all individuals involved in the dastardly act.”

Similarly, the Commissioner of Police arrested one Habu Yusuf for allegedly raping a 5-year-old girl in the Eggon Local Government Area of the state.

Mohammed said, “Recently, a complaint was lodged at Nasarawa Eggon Division by one Justina Samuel that she returned from the market and found out that her five-year-old daughter was walking abnormally.

“Upon enquiry, she revealed that she was sexually molested by one Habu Yusuf, 21 years old of Egbukumu Area, Nasarawa Eggon. Upon receipt of the complaint, the suspect was trailed and arrested.

Preliminary investigation revealed that Habu Yusuf had also sexually molested two of his elder brother’s children between the ages of eight and 10 before nemesis caught up with him. He has confessed to the commission of the crime and investigation is ongoing.