The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the alleged murder of a tea seller, Muhammad Auwal Idris, at Banga, Nassarawo Borehole, Jimeta.
The victim was reportedly fatally assaulted on September 28, 2026, following an altercation at the area.
The suspects arrested by operatives of the command were identified as Isah Yakubu, 20, also known as Sangalo, of Nassarawo, Jimeta; Japhet Hassan, 24, aka Slow, of Banga, Nassarawo; and Eric Alfred, 19, aka Mamaji, of Nassarawo, Jimeta.
According to preliminary investigations, the incident was linked to an earlier argument after Yakubu allegedly took a cigarette from a shop without paying for it.
The police said the deceased, who was at the scene to buy seasoning, became involved in the argument.
It alleged that, angered by the incident, Yakubu invited Hassan and Alfred the following day, after which the trio allegedly trailed Idris to his workplace and assaulted him.
The victim was reportedly left unconscious and rushed to a hospital, where a medical doctor later confirmed him dead.
Following a report of the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Adamawa State Command, Kabir Umar Hassan, ordered an intensive manhunt for the suspects.
The command said the suspects fled to Taraba State but were subsequently tracked and arrested through intelligence-led investigation and collaboration.
The Commissioner commended the operatives for their diligence and professionalism and directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to ensure a thorough investigation and diligent prosecution.
CP Hassan assured the family of the deceased and members of the public that the police would work to ensure justice, while urging residents to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
The command also appealed to eyewitnesses and members of the public with useful information to assist investigators as the investigation continues.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, said further developments would be communicated as the investigation progresses.