By Asaye Bankole
The Niger State Police Command has arrested five men over an alleged attempt to use children for money-making rituals, with four of the suspects reportedly offering their biological children as sacrifices in exchange for wealth.
The suspects were arrested at a secluded property in Garima, Bosso Local Government Area of Minna, following intelligence reports about suspected ritual activities taking place at the location.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the development in a statement, explaining that operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit carried out the operation at about 8:30 p.m. on October 27, 2026.
The arrested suspects were identified as Mohammed Idris Dogara, 57; Aliyu Sule, 25; Abubakar Abdullahi, 40; Ibrahim Mohammed Hamisu, 43; and Shehu Abubakar, 40, who was described as a traditional medicine practitioner.
According to the police, operatives recovered several items suspected to be connected with the alleged ritual activities.
They included four calabashes, two live chickens, three slaughtered chickens, blood-stained clothing, a knife with blood stains and a mat allegedly used for arranging the ritual materials.
Preliminary investigations reportedly indicated that the four other suspects had approached the traditional practitioner with a human skeleton allegedly discovered during mining operations.
They were said to have sought his assistance in performing a ritual they believed would bring them wealth and financial prosperity.
However, the traditional practitioner allegedly rejected their request, explaining that such activities were not part of his practice.
The police further alleged that the suspects persisted and subsequently offered their biological children for the ritual in exchange for wealth.
Following the alleged agreement, the traditional practitioner reportedly instructed them to bring chickens to a designated location as part of the preparations.
The suspects allegedly arrived at the location with the chickens, where preparations for the ritual were already underway before police operatives intervened.
Abiodun disclosed that Aliyu Sule was allegedly holding a blood-stained knife when the officers arrived, while three of the other suspects had already slaughtered their chickens.
The police spokesman said all five suspects were taken into custody for questioning and further investigation.
He added that the suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over the alleged involvement of parents in ritual-related activities and the growing threat posed by criminal practices that endanger the lives and safety of children.
The police have continued to warn members of the public against participating in criminal activities, urging residents to provide useful information that could assist security agencies in preventing crimes and protecting vulnerable members of society.
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