Herbalist and Two Others Nabbed by Nigerian Police Over Woman’s Death During ‘Evil Spirit Cleansing’ Ritual

Operatives of the Niger State Police Command have apprehended Habibu Umaru and two others in connection with the tragic death of his sister, Hadiza Umaru, in Bosso Local Government Area of Niger State.

Hadiza was reported missing on December 1, 2024, prompting widespread concern and search efforts. Sadly, her whereabouts remained unknown for days, leaving her family and community in distress.

Following a detailed investigation, her brother, Habibu, was arrested and reportedly confessed to luring Hadiza to a herbalist, identified as Aliyu Mallam Taiwe, under false pretenses. According to police reports, Taiwe and his accomplice, Rabiu Aliyu, admitted to administering a poisonous substance to Hadiza, claiming it was a treatment for “evil spirits.” Tragically, this substance caused her death.

In a shocking revelation, the suspects disclosed that Hadiza’s body was buried in a shallow grave within the Taiwe forest near Maitumbi. Further investigations uncovered three additional shallow graves in the same area, suggesting a disturbing pattern of similar crimes.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Shawulu Danmamman, addressed the media while parading the suspects at the police headquarters in Minna on Thursday. He confirmed the arrests, stating that the suspects would face charges of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide.

Danmamman shared, “On December 5, 2024, a case of a missing person was reported to the Crack-Squad Unit. It involved one Hadiza Umaru, who lived in Garatu, Bosso. She was reported missing on December 1, and all efforts to find her had failed.”

He continued, “During the investigation, her brother, Habibu Umaru of Angwan-Maigari, Garatu Bosso, became a prime suspect and was subsequently arrested. Upon interrogation, he confessed to being her biological brother and revealed that he deceitfully took her to a herbalist, Aliyu Mallam Taiwe, in Taiwe village near Maitumbi.”

Danmamman added, “The herbalist and his accomplice, Rabiu Aliyu, confessed to administering a poisonous substance to the victim, claiming it was to treat ‘evil spirits.’ Unfortunately, it led to her immediate death. They further admitted to stripping her of her clothing and burying her in a shallow grave.”

The Commissioner disclosed that the ongoing investigation has revealed additional shallow graves in the area, raising concerns about other potential victims. He assured the public that the suspects would be charged in court once investigations are concluded.