Kano State police operatives have arrested an elderly man, Malam Yahaya, in connection with a chilling plot to abduct a baby and gouge out the child’s eyes for ritual purposes.
The arrest was made by officers from the Bompai Police Station following the confession of a man allegedly under Yahaya’s influence.
The suspect, identified as Malam Yahaya from the Utoro community, was implicated by Kabir Sani, a 25-year-old resident of the same community.
Sani, who claimed he was hypnotised by Yahaya, was apprehended while attempting to abduct an eight-month-old child.
He later led the police to Yahaya’s residence, where a search uncovered fetish items, including a calabash with inscriptions, white and red clothes, and various charms.
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Sani recounted his ordeal to the police, stating, “My name is Kabir Sani. I reside in Utoro, and I am 25 years old. I came to visit Malam because I was not feeling well. He gave me some medicine with water and told me to use my urine for three days.”
According to Sani, after following Yahaya’s instructions, he lost control of his mind and actions. “He gave me ‘Turare’ perfume and ‘Hantu.’
Immediately, my brain shut down, and I was not myself. Anything he told me to do, I did without questioning his authority,” Sani added.
Sani further disclosed that Yahaya promised him N1 million in exchange for procuring a child whose eyes would be used to prepare a charm for a soldier seeking invisibility.
“I went to my sister’s house and told her everything Malam Yahaya asked me to do. I told her that I wasn’t myself anymore,” he revealed.
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“I tried to find an 8-month-old child who lives in our house. Unfortunately, I was unable to bring the child because if I had, Malam Yahaya would have removed his eyes.”
Desperate and remorseful, Sani pleaded for help to regain his normal senses. “I’m pleading with people to help me beg Malam to return my senses to normal,” he said.
Police spokesperson in Kano State confirmed the incident and stated that investigations are ongoing. “We have apprehended Malam Yahaya, and we are working to uncover the full extent of his activities. The law will take its course,” the spokesperson assured.
The disturbing incident has sent shockwaves through the Utoro community and beyond, raising concerns about the prevalence of ritual practices and the vulnerability of individuals to manipulation and exploitation. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the police.