Tea vendor arrested for ‘beating 20-year-old man to death over stolen bread’ in Jigawa

The police command in Jigawa says its operatives have arrested one Abdulrashibu Ya’u, a tea vendor, for allegedly beating Hassan Garba, a 20-year-old man, to death.

Ya’u was said to have accused Garba of stealing his bread, noodles, and milk on August 19 at Sararai village in Dutse LGA of the state.

In a statement on Tuesday, Lawan Shiisu, Jigawa police spokesperson, said the deceased became unconscious after the beating and was declared dead at the hospital.

“Upon receiving the report, the patrol team promptly proceeded to the scene, arrested the suspect and took the victim to Rasheed Shekoni Teaching Hospital for immediate medical attention,” the statement reads.

“Regretfully, on their arrival, the medical doctor on duty certified him dead. The corpse was examined, photographed and later released to the victim’s relatives for burial according to Islamic rite.

“The suspect admitted during questioning at the state criminal investigation department Dutse that the deceased had upset him by stealing his goods to the point where he had informed his parents about it, but nothing had been done.

“Upon apprehending the deceased at this point, he made the decision to tie him with a rope and begin striking him with a stick in secret.

“Neighbours in the area heard the deceased’s cries for help, but they were unable to save him until police officers showed up.

“Upon completion of a discreet investigation, the suspect will be diligently arraigned in court to face the full weight of the law.”