Police inspector kills man in Yobe over ‘refusal to pay N200’

A police inspector identified as Mohammed Bulama has allegedly stabbed AbdulMalik Galadima, a Yobe resident, to death over the “deceased’s refusal to hand out the N200 demanded by the officer”.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, said the incident occurred on Sunday in Zango, Nasarawa ward of Yobe state.

“On Sunday, 29th September 2024, Inspector Mohammed Bulama of the Mopol Police Squad in Damaturu, was involved in the fatal assault of an innocent civilian, AbdulMalik Dauda Galadima, in the Zango community, Nasarawa ward,” the publication said.

“According to eyewitness accounts, the incident occurred around 5:05 PM when Inspector Bulama approached Galadima in the CMC area and demanded the sum of N200.

“When the deceased explained that he had no money on him, the police officer reportedly became aggressive and proceeded to assault him.

“In a horrifying escalation, Bulama allegedly slashed Galadima’s neck and stabbed him in the chest, leading to his death on the spot.”

The publication added that human rights organisations have demanded justice and accountability from the Yobe police command and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

The community asked Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police, civil society organisations, and government officials to intervene, adding that security forces must account for their actions and protect citizens.

‘JUSTICE WILL BE SERVED’

In a statement on the incident, Dungus Abdulkarim, spokesperson of the Yobe police command, said Bulama has been arrested.

“The commissioner of police CP Garba Ahmed has ordered the immediate investigation into the homicide incident involving Inspector Mohammed Bulama, attached to Police Mobile Force PMF, 41 Division, Damaturu,” the statement reads.

“On 29th September, 2024 at about 1820hrs Inspector Mohammed Bulama, 38, was involved in a bitter argument with Abdulmalik Dauda (aka Baksha), 39, of Pompomari ward, Damaturu, over an uncleared transaction at Zango Area.

“The dispute escalated into a fight, resulting in Bulama stabbing Dauda in the chest. Bulama also sustained head injuries.

“Bulama was promptly arrested at the ‘C’ Divisional Police Headquarters, where he had sought refuge.

“The state Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has commenced investigation, and Bulama is currently in custody pending internal disciplinary action and prosecution.”

The statement added that the Yobe police command will ensure that justice is served.

“CP Garba Ahmed condemns Bulama’s actions and expresses condolences to Dauda’s family. He assures the public of a thorough and swift investigation, ensuring justice is served,” Abdulkarim said.

“The Nigeria Police Force will not tolerate any misconduct from its personnel. We will ensure that justice is served and the perpetrator is held accountable.”