Police Arrest 19 Individuals in Connection with IBBUL Student Attack; Seven Suspects Identified in Criminal Conspiracy
By Yahaya Zakka Minna
In a significant development following the tragic attack on Abdulwahab Jafar, a student at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBUL), the police have arrested 19 individuals suspected of various crimes, including robbery, unlawful society membership, possession of weapons and cannabis, and suspected culpable homicide.
The incident occurred on June 23, 2025, around 3 a.m., resulting in the untimely death of the 23-year-old student at his lodge. This attack heightened tensions within the Lapai community, leading to the deployment of police tactical teams to restore order. Following extensive investigations by the Police Command in collaboration with Tactical and Investigative Units, 19 arrests were made throughout Lapai and other locations in the state.
In a press statement signed by SP Wasiu Abiodun, the Public Relations Officer for the Niger State Police Command, the authorities identified seven primary suspects believed to be linked to criminal activities associated with cult affiliations. The identified suspects are:
– Idris Hamza, 27, of Maikunkele
– Suleiman Damilare, 27, of Maikunkele
– Abdulsemiu Bashir, 23, of Lapai
– Bawa Aliyu, 27, of Suleja
– Yakubu Musa, aka PYPA, 24, of Maikunkele
– Samson Abbah, aka Small, 28, of Rafin-Yanshi
– Solomon Musa, aka Cabella, 28, of Maitumbi
Credible intelligence led to the arrest of Idris Hamza and Suleiman Damilare on June 27, as they were found in possession of cannabis, charms, and local black soaps in a Toyota Corolla at the residence of Abdullahi Ahmed, aka Catch-Up. During questioning, the suspects admitted to being members of the Neo Black Movement of Africa (NBM) and acknowledged their involvement in various cult-related activities, including the initiation of new members.
Further inquiries resulted in the arrest of Abdulsemiu Bashir on June 29 in Lapai. He was found with 16 SIM cards, a POS machine, and a sum of 77,000 naira. Bashir claimed that he acquired the SIM cards from a fellow gang member, Audu, who remains at large. The SIM cards were linked to stolen mobile phones belonging to victims.
Investigations revealed that Bawa Aliyu was implicated as a butcher affiliated with the NBM, while Yakubu Musa (PYPA) was apprehended on August 14. He confessed to participating in multiple attacks and robberies targeting students to finance group dues and internet fraud operations.
Samson Abbah, also known as Small, a graduate of Federal Polytechnic Bida, joined the NBM in 2015 and served as the group’s administrative officer on their WhatsApp platform, originally named “Men That Matter,” which he later changed to “Football News” to discuss their illicit activities.
Solomon Musa, known as Cabella, was involved in an attempted attack on another student in August, motivated by perceived disrespect, which resulted in property damage.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities intensifying efforts to identify members of both NBM and VIKINGS involved in the attack that led to Abdulwahab Jafar’s death. Updates on the case will be released as new information becomes available.
