Niger Police Capture Suspects in Murder of Photographer Zaccheaus Salawudeen

The Niger State Police arrested four suspects in the murder of photographer Zaccheaus Salawudeen, who was killed during a robbery in February 2024. The attack occurred as he slept with his family. Authorities are committed to ensuring justice and providing support to his bereaved family as investigations continue.

The Niger State Police Command has apprehended four individuals suspected of being involved in the murder of photographer Zaccheaus Salawudeen, who was tragically killed during a robbery incident. The robbery occurred in February, as reported by Arewah PUNCH and detailed in a feature article in Saturday PUNCH in April. At the time of the attack, Salawudeen was at home with his wife, Rachel, and their newborn baby. The armed robbers, five in total, forcibly entered the residence, stole money intended for safekeeping from his church and other valuables, and subsequently stabbed him to death.

Governor Mohammed Bago’s Special Adviser on Political Matters, Nma Kolo, expressed his commitment to ensuring justice for Salawudeen and to supporting his family. Kolo recalled Salawudeen as not just a dedicated photographer but also a close associate and collaborator. He stated, “Zacchaeus was introduced to me by one of my aides… We lost Zacchaeus. I don’t like remembering that sad incident.” The assurance was made that the government would not allow Salawudeen’s family to face hardship following their loss.

On a recent note, spokesperson for the Niger State Police, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed that four suspects were arrested on October 26th. These individuals are Mustapha Ibrahim, Shamson Rabiu, Bashar Aliyu, and Abdullahi Umar. During police interrogations, they admitted to having attacked Salawudeen after learning he had received a significant sum of money. Regrettably, one suspect remains at large. Investigations indicated that this syndicate had previously committed further robberies in the area, underscoring their ongoing threat to public safety.

The arrests were made as part of a comprehensive police initiative to apprehend and prosecute criminal elements in the state, reflecting a serious commitment to tackling such violent crimes. Through diligent investigation, the authorities are determined to ensure that justice is served for Zaccheaus Salawudeen and to protect the community from future threats.

The tragic murder of Zaccheaus Salawudeen, a photographer, has drawn significant attention to issues of crime and safety within Niger State, Nigeria. The violent incident that led to his death in February 2024 occurred during a home invasion, highlighting the dangers posed by armed robbers in the region. The local government’s response is marked by a commitment to not only seek justice but also to support the bereaved family, emphasizing the need for community safety and the prosecution of crime perpetrators in the face of increasing violence. The ongoing investigations aim to dismantle such criminal networks that threaten public safety.

In summary, the arrest of four suspects linked to the murder of Zaccheaus Salawudeen represents a significant step forward in addressing violent crime in Niger State. The government’s assurance of support for Salawudeen’s family amidst their tragic loss reflects a commitment to justice and community safety. As investigations continue, the focus remains on apprehending the remaining suspect and ensuring that all involved in this grievous act are brought to justice, while also addressing the broader safety concerns within the community.

Original Source: punchng.com