By Gbolahan Salman Sokoto
The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the gruesome murder and robbery of a commercial motorcyclist in Sabon Birni town.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufai, said the incident occurred on July 5, 2025, and involved a case of criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, armed robbery, and receiving stolen property.
According to the statement, two of the suspects, Ashiru Iliyasu and Sulaiman Salihu, both residents of Sabon Birni, allegedly lured the victim, Kasimu Yahaya, an Okada rider, to an uncompleted building on the outskirts of the town under false pretenses.
“Upon arrival, the suspects reportedly attacked the victim with a hoe, killing him instantly. In an attempt to cover their tracks, they dumped his body in a soakaway pit located at the scene of the crime,” DSP Rufai said.
The duo were also alleged to have fled with the victim’s Bajaj motorcycle, which they later sold to the third suspect, Sanusi Shu’aibu, also from Sabon Birni.
He further revealed that following diligent investigations by the Command’s Anti-Homicide Unit, all three suspects were arrested. While Iliyasu and Salihu confessed to the murder and robbery during interrogation, Shu’aibu denied knowingly purchasing a stolen motorcycle.
The police spokesperson stated that investigations are still ongoing to ensure that justice is served and all necessary evidence is thoroughly examined.
He urged members of the public with any relevant information about the incident or the suspects to contact the police immediately, assuring that all tips would be treated with strict confidentiality.
The Command provided the following contacts for public assistance:
