Kano police arrest couple for allegedly killing man over N10m debt
The Kano State Police Command apprehended a couple, Dayyabu Abdullahi and Hasfat Surajo, accused of killing Nafiu Hafiz, who owed them a sum of N10 million.
Hafiz had initially committed to repaying the money within ten months, which concluded in October. Subsequently, he sought an extension until December, but failed to fulfill this commitment.
According to Fatima Gambo, a friend of the deceased, when Hafiz could not repay the borrowed N10 million, he pleaded for another extension, explaining that the company he was working for had not reimbursed him due to the CEO’s recent celebration of his daughters’ weddings.
In the latest attempt to secure an extension on Wednesday, the wife of the creditor purportedly stabbed Hafiz. The couple then concealed his body in their residence and later informed his father at night, claiming their son had undergone surgery at the hospital and subsequently passed away.
Despite Hafiz’s prior ailment and apparent recovery, which convinced his parents of the couple’s story, the circumstances surrounding his death raise suspicions.
“So, the father and his brothers departed from Bauchi State around 12 am and reached Kano at approximately 4 am. Upon arriving, they went straight to their house to retrieve the body of his son for burial.
To their shock, they discovered that the corpse was still oozing blood, arousing suspicion despite the couple’s assertion that they had engaged an Imam to perform Islamic burial rituals.
Hafizu Salisu, one of the accompanying brothers, promptly contacted the police and informed them of the situation,” she continued.
In the statement sent to our correspondent, Abdullahi stated, “On 21/12/2023 at about 0700hrs, a report was received from Hafizu Salisu of Bauchi Metropolis in Bauchi State.
He received a phone call from Dayyabu Abdullahi of Unguwa Uku Quarters, Kano, stating that his brother, Nafi’u Hafiz, aged 38 years, is deceased, and they should come to convey the corpse for burial.”
“When they arrived at the residence in Unguwa Uku Quarters, Kano, they discovered multiple injuries on various parts of the lifeless body, indicative of suspected knife stabs.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Usaini Gumel, instructed the Divisional Police Officer, Zaria Road Division, SP Abubakar Chika Zaki, to lead a team of detectives to the scene for a preliminary investigation.
Upon reaching the crime scene, the motionless body was promptly removed and transported to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, where a medical doctor certified the individual dead,” Abdullahi disclosed.
He further explained that a subsequent investigation led to the arrest of Hasfat Surajo, a 24-year-old female housewife residing at the deceased’s residence.
Hafsat admitted to committing the act singlehandedly by stabbing the deceased on various parts of his body with a knife while he was attempting to prevent her from committing suicide.
“Her husband, Dayyabu Abdullahi, 38 years old, of the same address, and their gateman, Mallam Adam, 65 years old, were apprehended for packaging and concealing the dead body,” the statement added.
Abdullahi also mentioned that the knife stained with blood, recovered from the crime scene, would undergo a thorough and discreet investigation. Following this, the suspect would face charges in court.