18-year-old painter arrested for murder of retired permanent secretary in Niger

An 18-year-old painter, Fatiyah Abdulhakeem, has been arrested for the murder of a retired Permanent Secretary, Adamu Jagaba, in Minna, Niger State.

The tragic incident occurred on Saturday evening at a block industry along the Eastern Bye-pass in Minna. The attackers not only killed Mr. Jagaba by stabbing him multiple times but also stole his vehicle.

The state police spokesperson, Wasi’u Abiodun, confirmed the incident, stating it was reported to the Tudun-Wada police division. Mr. Jagaba was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Later that evening, at around 7 p.m., police intercepted the stolen vehicle on Bosso Estate Road, Minna, with the suspect, Fatiyah Abdulhakeem, inside.

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Under interrogation, Abdulhakeem reportedly confessed to the crime, stating he was the victim’s car painter and had visited him at his block industry opposite the PDP Secretariat in Minna.

He claimed that after a discussion about changing the vehicle’s bumper, he stabbed Mr. Jagaba multiple times on the head and neck and then drove away with the vehicle.

He also alleged that he conspired with some of the deceased’s workers to carry out the attack.

The police have launched a manhunt for the other suspects involved in the crime as investigations continue. The arrest and confession shed light on a premeditated act, leaving the community shocked and mourning the loss of Mr. Jagaba, a respected former public servant.