The Zamfara State Hisbah Commission has apprehended a woman, Khadija Abdullah, on accusations of engaging in witchcraft-related activities in the Gadar Baga area of Gusau, the state capital. The arrest was confirmed by the commission’s Public Relations Officer, Umar Haruna Tsafe, in a statement released on Tuesday, July 15, 2026.
Community Complaints Lead to Raid
According to Tsafe, the arrest followed complaints from community leaders about alleged spiritual practices taking place at Abdullah’s residence. Acting on these reports, operatives of the Hisbah Commission conducted a raid on the property. The Director of Operations, Lawal Abubakar Maradun, stated that during interrogation, Abdullah admitted to using certain perfumes and claimed to be possessed by spirits. She also told investigators that she would recite prayers into water and distribute it to people as a form of treatment.
Second Woman Found at Scene
During the operation, another woman, identified as Asiya Lawal, was found at the residence. Lawal informed officials that she had visited the house to seek treatment for what she described as a spiritual ailment. A local resident, quoted by the commission, alleged that the house had become a regular destination for individuals seeking traditional or spiritual remedies, both during the day and at night.
Investigation Ongoing
The Chairman of the Zamfara State Hisbah Commission, Sheikh Umar Hassan Gusau, has directed that investigations be intensified to determine the authenticity of the allegations and ensure that appropriate action is taken in accordance with the law. The commission did not disclose whether any formal charges had been filed against the suspect as investigations continue.
