Police arrest Saidu over death of wedding guest in Niger

Niger State Police Command arrested Jamilu Saidu for allegedly killing a 30-year-old Iliyasu Aminu during a wedding ceremony at the Kumbashi District in the Mariga Local Government Area of the state.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident on Sunday in a statement.

According to him, the incident occurred on Saturday.

Abiodun stated that the wedding ceremony was ongoing when a fight broke out between two villages, Yabawa and Ungwar Sarkin-Daji, resulting in palpable tension in the area.

He added that it was during the altercation which extended towards the event venue that Saidu struck Aminu with a machete on his head.

“On January 18, 2025, at about 8 p.m., police operatives of Bangi Division arrested one Jamilu Saidu of Kumbashi District, Mariga LGA, for the culpable homicide of Iliyasu Aminu, 30, of the same area.

“The fight between the two villages resulted from tensions at a wedding, and during the altercation, the suspect allegedly struck Aminu on the head with a machete, leading to his death.

“The suspect confessed to the crime and has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Minna, for further investigation and diligent prosecution,” the statement read in part.

The police spokesman further disclosed that Saidu was among several suspects recently apprehended for various offences across Niger State.