The gruesome murder of Adamu Jagaba, a former Permanent Secretary in the Niger State civil service, has sent shockwaves through his community and church. Jagaba, also a prominent businessman owning a block moulding industry, was tragically killed by his 18-year-old panel beater, Fatiyah Abdulhakeem, under circumstances that reveal a chilling betrayal of trust. The incident unfolded last Saturday when Jagaba invited Abdulhakeem to his office at the block industry to assess the bodywork required for his Toyota Camry. Unbeknownst to Jagaba, Abdulhakeem harbored sinister intentions, concealing a dagger within his flowing babanriga. The young man suddenly attacked Jagaba, stabbing him repeatedly in the head and neck. Despite Jagaba’s desperate attempts to defend himself and pleas for mercy, the assailant remained unmoved, ultimately delivering a fatal blow with a stapling machine found in the office.
The investigation into Jagaba’s murder has uncovered a deeper layer of premeditation and conspiracy. It is believed that Abdulhakeem was not acting alone. The day before the murder, a customer had paid Jagaba a substantial sum of money at the block industry, a transaction witnessed by some of his workers. One of these workers is suspected of colluding with Abdulhakeem to rob Jagaba, a plan that ultimately escalated into murder. After the attack, Abdulhakeem stole Jagaba’s car keys and fled the scene in the deceased’s Toyota Camry. He initially drove to his grandmother’s residence, claiming the car belonged to a customer who had paid him for a car wash. He later sold the vehicle for N2 million.
The trail of evidence led police directly to Abdulhakeem’s grandmother’s house. Upon learning of her grandson’s alleged involvement, the grandmother vehemently denied his capacity for such a heinous crime, pleading with the police to release him. However, upon apprehension, Abdulhakeem confessed to the murder, admitting to a history of similar criminal activities, each time utilizing his grandmother’s house as a temporary refuge. This revelation not only exposed the suspect’s guilt but also shattered the grandmother’s perception of her grandson.
The news of Jagaba’s death reverberated through his community, especially within his church, Saint Michael Catholic Church, where he was a respected Knight of St. Mulumba. The church community, gathered for a major program at the time, was plunged into grief and disbelief. They mourned the loss of a devout member, a generous man known for his contributions to the church and the wider community. The following day, a minute of silence was observed during the church service in remembrance of Jagaba. His funeral is scheduled for Friday, December 13th, amidst an outpouring of condolences and support for his grieving family.
The swift action of the Niger State Police Command led to the arrest of Abdulhakeem, who was apprehended with the stolen vehicle. Wasiu Abiodun, the command’s spokesman, confirmed Abdulhakeem’s confession, revealing the chilling details of the planned robbery and subsequent murder. Abdulhakeem implicated some of Jagaba’s workers in the conspiracy, providing their names to the police. The investigation is ongoing, with efforts focused on apprehending the remaining accomplices. Upon completion of the investigation, Abdulhakeem will be charged and prosecuted for his crime.
This tragic incident highlights the devastating consequences of greed and betrayal. What began as a seemingly routine business interaction between a respected community member and a young panel beater quickly spiraled into a violent act, ending one life and irrevocably altering the course of another. The investigation continues to unravel the full extent of the conspiracy, promising to bring all those involved to justice. The community mourns the loss of a valued member, while the justice system works to ensure that such a senseless act does not go unpunished.
