The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old man, Idrisu Musa, in connection with the gruesome killing of his elder brother, Muhammed Haruna, and his wife, Habiba Muhammed, in Asarara Village, Jega Local Government Area of the state.
The tragic incident, which has sent shockwaves through the community, reportedly occurred in the early hours of Saturday when the victims were allegedly attacked with a cutlass while asleep in their home at about 5:15 a.m.
According to police authorities, the couple sustained severe injuries during the brutal assault and were later confirmed dead.
The spokesman for the Kebbi State Police Command, Bashir Usman, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Saturday evening, disclosing that investigators had recovered substantial and incriminating evidence linking the suspect to the crime.
Usman said preliminary findings revealed that the suspect had allegedly threatened the deceased couple with a cutlass on several occasions before the fatal attack, raising suspicions about a long-standing dispute before the incident.
“The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested Idrisu Musa, 25, in connection with the murder of his elder brother, Muhammed Haruna, and his wife, Habiba Muhammed,” the statement read.
“Substantial and implicating evidence has been recovered linking the suspect to the crime. The suspect had reportedly intimidated the couple with a cutlass on several prior occasions.”
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Umar Hadejia, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for comprehensive investigation and possible prosecution.
The command assured residents that justice would be diligently pursued and that all necessary steps would be taken to ensure those responsible for the crime face the full weight of the law.
“The Command assures the public that justice will be pursued diligently,” the statement added.
The incident had earlier sparked fear and outrage among residents of Jega Local Government Area after reports emerged that unknown assailants had invaded the couple’s residence and killed them in their sleep.
The latest arrest is expected to bring some relief to members of the community, many of whom had called for swift intervention by security agencies.
Police authorities said further updates would be provided as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the double homicide continue.
