The Yobe State Police Command has arrested the secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gashua over the alleged killing of a 45-year-old woman identified as Falmata Abubakar.
Police said the suspect, Abdulmumini Garba, aged 60, was also a vegetable market leader in the Gashua area. He was arrested after the body of the woman was discovered near the Federal University, Gashua, last week.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dungus AbdulKarim, the command confirmed that operatives from the Bade Division tracked and apprehended the suspect following an intensive investigation.
According to police findings, Garba admitted that he had conveyed the deceased in his vehicle on the day of her death. During the trip, an argument allegedly broke out after Falmata requested financial assistance to support her business.
The suspect reportedly told investigators that the argument escalated and resulted in her death inside the car. He then allegedly dumped her body in a nearby bush around 10:00 p.m. the same night, at the spot where it was later found.
SP AbdulKarim described the arrest as “a major breakthrough” made possible through proactive intelligence and tactical strategies deployed by the Bade Division.
Yobe State Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Ado, commended the Divisional Police Officer and his team for their professionalism and swift action. He assured residents that justice would be served and that the case would be charged to court after the investigation is concluded.
“The command remains committed to ensuring public safety and upholding justice,” Ado said. “We urge residents to continue supporting the police with useful information to help curb crime.”
The arrest has sparked mixed reactions in Gashua, where the late Falmata was reportedly well known for her small business activities. Residents have called for a thorough investigation and a transparent trial.