Seven Arrested Over Cult Killing of IBB University Student in Niger

The Niger State Police Command has arrested seven suspects connected to cult-related activities at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL), following the killing of a student earlier this year. The arrests are part of an ongoing effort to dismantle violent cult networks within and around the university.

On June 23, 2025, at about 3 a.m., 23-year-old Abdulwahab Jafar, a student from Paiko residing in his school lodge, was brutally attacked and killed. The incident triggered unrest in the Lapai community, leading to the deployment of police tactical teams to restore order.

Following extensive investigations by the Tactical Support Team and the Force Intelligence Department, 19 suspects were initially arrested across Lapai and other parts of the state. After further profiling, seven were identified as the prime suspects involved in the fatal cult attack.

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The suspects—Idris Hamza, Suleiman Damilare (both 27, from Maikunkele), Abdulsemiu Bashir (23, Lapai), Bawa Aliyu (27, Suleja), Yakubu Musa (24, Maikunkele), Samson Abbah (28, Rafin-Yanshi), and Solomon Musa (28, Maitumbi)—face charges including criminal conspiracy, robbery, unlawful society membership, internet fraud, possession of dangerous weapons, and suspected culpable homicide.

Notably, Idris Hamza and Suleiman Damilare were arrested on June 27 at Fadikpe with cannabis, charms, and local black soaps. The suspects admitted membership in the Neo Black Movement of Africa (NBM) and confessed to carrying out cult activities such as initiation ceremonies at IBBUL. Abdulsemiu Bashir, believed to be affiliated with a rival cult group called VIKINGS, was arrested on June 29, found in possession of multiple SIM cards linked to stolen phones, a POS machine, and cash.

Other suspects, including Bawa Aliyu, Yakubu Musa, Samson Abbah, and Solomon Musa, were implicated in cult-related robberies and attacks on students. Samson Abbah was also identified as the admin officer of the group’s WhatsApp platform, which was used to coordinate their activities under initially the name “Men that matters” before being renamed “Football News.”

The Niger State Police have expressed commitment to curbing cultism and violent crimes in the state and are pursuing further efforts to apprehend other members involved in these criminal activities.