The Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two suspects in connection with the gruesome murder of a commercial motorcycle rider, whose lifeless body was dumped in a soakaway after being brutally attacked.
The incident, which took place on Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Sabon Birni town, involved a disturbing case of armed robbery, murder, and the sale of stolen property.
According to a police statement, the suspects—Ashiru Iliyasu and Sulaiman Salihu, both residents of Sabon Birni allegedly conspired to lure the victim, Kasimu Yahaya, to an unfinished building on the outskirts of the town. Pretending to need a ride, the duo allegedly armed themselves with a hoe and ambushed the unsuspecting rider once they arrived at the location.
Tragically, they reportedly beat him to death and, in a bid to hide the crime, dumped his body inside a nearby soakaway pit. The suspects then made away with his Bajaj motorcycle, which they allegedly sold to a third individual, one Sanusi Shu’aibu.
Police investigations led to the swift arrest of all three men. During questioning, Iliyasu and Salihu reportedly confessed to planning and executing the heinous act. Shu’aibu, however, denied knowing that the motorcycle was stolen property.
The case is currently under active investigation by the Anti-Homicide Unit of the State Investigation Department. Authorities are working to gather all necessary evidence, verify confessions, and ensure justice is served without delay.
In a statement, the Sokoto Police Command urged members of the public to come forward with any useful information about the incident, the suspects, or the victim’s movements on the day of the attack. They emphasized that all reports will be treated confidentially.
“Public support is crucial in our effort to ensure justice is done,” the command said.
