Four men arrested in Minna for plotting to sacrifice children for money rituals

The Niger State Police Command has arrested five individuals in connection with an alleged plot to sacrifice biological children for money rituals in Minna. Police officers from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit detained the individuals at a secluded site in Garima, located within the Bosso district of Minna. Those apprehended consist of four males accused of proposing to sacrifice their offspring, along with a traditional healer who participated in the ceremony.

The incident occurred on October 27, 2026, at approximately 8:30 pm. Police officers on routine patrol in the Bosso area received intelligence regarding suspicious activities at the compound, where unknown persons were seen entering with suspicious items. Upon arriving at the scene, the operatives arrested the suspects in the act. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed the details in a crime bulletin issued on Thursday, November 5, 2026. The suspects have been charged with criminal conspiracy, possession of criminal charms, ill-treatment of domestic animals, and unlawful society.

Background

The five arrested individuals are identified as Mohammed Idris Dogara, 57, a resident of Bosso originally from Nasarawa State; Aliyu Sule, 25, from Bosso; Abubakar Abdullahi, 40, from the New-Garima area of Bosso; Ibrahim Mohammed Hamisu, 43, from Bosso; and Shehu Abubakar, 40, a native doctor from Maikunkele. According to police investigations, the four men initially approached the native doctor to perform money rituals using a skeleton that had allegedly been discovered during mining activities. The native doctor reportedly refused this request, stating that he did not offer such services.

Despite the refusal, the four men persisted and allegedly offered their biological children as sacrifices in exchange for varying sums of money. Facing intense scrutiny, the traditional healer directed every male to acquire a chicken and gather at a specific spot to perform the rite. Authorities seized various artifacts at the location, comprising fragments of red and white garments marked with blood, four gourds, two living chickens, three deceased chickens, a knife stained with blood, and a large mat supporting these objects. Police noted that Aliyu Sule was found holding the blood-stained knife, preparing to slaughter his chicken, while the other three men had already completed the slaughter of their respective chickens. The suspects confessed to the allegations during interrogation.

Why it matters

The case highlights the ongoing concerns regarding ritual killings and the exploitation of children in Niger State. According to the law enforcement report, the accused admitted to the offense and are currently being examined further prior to facing judicial proceedings. Nevertheless, the formal announcement failed to reveal the names or the ages of the minors supposedly designated for the ritualistic sacrifice. It also did not specify whether the children had been located or if they had been exposed to immediate danger. The arrest of the native doctor, Shehu Abubakar, indicates that authorities are targeting both the instigators and those facilitating such rituals. The recovered items, including the blood-stained knife and slaughtered animals, serve as physical evidence in the ongoing criminal case.

What happens next

The suspects are currently in police custody undergoing further investigation. Once the investigation is concluded, they are expected to be charged to court for prosecution. The police have not announced any specific dates for the trial or additional charges beyond those already listed in the crime bulletin.