The Niger State Police Command has apprehended a young man following a violent altercation that resulted in the death of his lifelong friend. The tragic incident, sparked by a dispute over sachet water, has sent shockwaves through the Dutsen-Kura-Hausa community in Minna.
A Deadly Dispute Over Ablution Water
According to police reports and eyewitness accounts, the fatal event unfolded on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. The suspect, Abdulazeez Abubakar, aged 23, and the victim, Sadiq Sani, aged 20, were childhood friends and neighbours residing along Adamawa Road.
The disagreement began during preparations for the Maghrib prayer. An argument erupted over sachet water, commonly called pure water, which was intended for ablution. What initially seemed like a minor misunderstanding between the two friends rapidly escalated into a physical confrontation.
From Argument to Tragedy
The situation turned violent, leading Abdulazeez Abubakar to allegedly stab Sadiq Sani. Despite immediate and desperate efforts by those present to save him, Sani succumbed to the wounds he sustained during the fight. The swift response from the police led to the arrest of the suspect at the scene.
The spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident on Thursday, December 18, 2025. He provided official details of the case, stating that a report was received at about 7:40 PM on the day of the incident regarding a fight in Dutsen-Kura.
Police Investigation and Next Steps
SP Wasiu Abiodun outlined the police action following the report. "Police operatives of GRA Division rushed to the scene and arrested Abubakar," he stated. The police have confirmed that the suspect is currently in custody and under investigation.
The case is progressing through official channels. The suspect will soon be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Minna for further investigation and necessary legal action. This procedure is standard for serious crimes to ensure a thorough and professional inquiry.
This heartbreaking event highlights how a trivial disagreement can have irreversible consequences, ending a young life and forever altering another. The community and authorities are left to deal with the aftermath of a senseless loss rooted in a moment of uncontrolled anger.
