The Niger State Police Command has apprehended seven suspects linked to cult-related activities at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL), following the brutal killing of a 23-year-old student, Abdulwahab Jafar. The incident occurred on June 23, 2025, when Jafar was attacked at his off-campus lodge, sparking widespread unrest within the university community.

The Investigation

A joint investigation by the Tactical Support Team and the Force Intelligence Department led to the arrest of 19 persons across Lapai and other locations in the state. After thorough scrutiny, seven suspects were identified as key culprits in the cult-related attacks. These suspects face charges of criminal conspiracy, robbery, unlawful society membership, internet fraud, possession of dangerous weapons, and suspected culpable homicide.¹

The Suspects

The seven suspects are²:
– Idris Hamza, 27, of Maikunkele
– Suleiman Damilare, 27, of Maikunkele
– Abdulsemiu Bashir, 23, of Lapai
– Bawa Aliyu, 27, of Suleja
– Yakubu Musa, 24, of Maikunkele, also known as “Pypa”
– Samson Abbah, 28, of Rafin-Yanshi, also known as “Small”
– Solomon Musa, 28, of Maitumbi, also known as “Cabella”

Cult-Related Activities

The suspects allegedly confessed to being members of the Neo Black Movement of Africa (NBM) and engaging in various cult-related activities, including initiation ceremonies and violent attacks on students. Abdulsemiu Bashir, suspected to be a rival member of the Vikings cult group, was found with 16 SIM cards, a POS machine, and ₦77,000 cash, which were reportedly obtained from stolen or robbed phones.

Ongoing Investigation

The police confirmed that investigations are ongoing to identify the group directly responsible for Jafar’s killing. The Command Spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, assured that further developments would be made public as efforts continue to apprehend other fleeing suspects.³