The Gombe State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of eight suspects connected to the abduction and gruesome murder of a six-year-old boy, Muhammad Ibrahim Bulama, for alleged money ritual purposes in Bura-Bunga village, Bojude District of Kwami Local Government Area.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, revealed the details in an official statement on Friday, noting that the shocking crime was orchestrated by the victim’s father, who remains at large.
Details of the Incident
According to the statement, the boy’s disappearance was first noticed in mid-February 2025 by his grandfather, who alerted local authorities after a prolonged and unsuccessful search. A formal complaint was lodged at Bojude Divisional Police Headquarters on April 18, 2025.
Following the report, police operatives arrested two initial suspects, later expanding the investigation based on credible intelligence, which led to the capture of six additional suspects.
Confessions and Roles of the Suspects
Preliminary investigations uncovered a horrifying chain of events:
Magaji Adamu (45) confessed to slaughtering the boy in a bush area after receiving him from Babayo Musa (18), who had abducted the child from his grandfather’s house.
The victim’s body was dismembered, with the upper part disposed of in a well and the lower half handed to Jibrin Muhammad (40) and Usman Abubakar (37), both apprehended in Gombe town.
Sadam Umaru (28) facilitated the contact with native doctors who were to perform the ritual.
Idris Dayyabu (45) and Abdulrauf Hussaini (33), identified as the native doctors, admitted to taking possession of the remains and removing flesh from the body for ritual purposes.
Isiyaku Muhammad (39) was arrested for criminal conspiracy and failure to report the crime despite being aware of it.
Police further disclosed that the key mastermind behind the killing is one Gimba, the victim’s father, who is currently on the run.
Police Response
The Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Yahaya, assured the public of a comprehensive investigation, pledging that all perpetrators, including those at large, will be brought to justice. He also urged residents to remain vigilant and support law enforcement efforts by providing timely and useful information to security agencies.
Public Safety Appeal
Authorities have reiterated the need for community cooperation to help combat criminal activities and ensure the safety of lives and property across Gombe State.
