A 23-year-old man, Iliayasu Mohammed, has been arrested by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command for the gruesome murder of his friend, Safillahi Muhammad, in Dantata Village, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
According to a statement, signed by Josephine Adeh, the Police Public Relations Officer for the FCT Command, officers responded to a distress call around 1:30pm on Tuesday and found the victim lying unconscious in a pool of blood with multiple cutlass wounds.
Josephine asserted that he was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Mohammed, an ex-convict from Dakwa, lured the victim to his residence under the pretence of sharing a meal.
However, while Muhammad was eating, Mohammed launched a brutal attack, inflicting fatal injuries to his head and body.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime and admitted to being part of a criminal syndicate specialising in robbing motorcyclists.
The gang, reportedly led by a man named Hassan, is still under investigation, with police pursuing other members who remain at large.
The statement partly reads; “On February 13, 2025, the FCT Police Command responded to a distress call received at about 01:30PM regarding a suspected homicide in Dantata Village. Officers quickly mobilized to the scene, leading to the arrest of 23-year-old Iliayasu Mohammed from Dakwa, Municipal Area Council, Abuja. He is accused of the brutal murder of his friend, Safillahi Muhammad.
“Initial investigations indicate that the suspect lured the victim to his home, where he served him food. While the victim was eating, Mohammed attacked him with a cutlass, inflicting multiple wounds to the head and body. Police found the victim unconscious in a pool of blood and transported him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
“Further inquiries revealed that Mohammed is an ex-convict. During questioning, he confessed to the murder and disclosed his involvement in a criminal syndicate led by an individual named Hassan, who remains at large. This gang is known for targeting motorcyclists to steal their vehicles.
“The police are actively pursuing other members of the gang who have fled. Mohammed will face charges in court following the completion of the investigation.
“The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, urges residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement. The Command is dedicated to maintaining the safety and security of all residents.”