Two Arrested for Killing Adamawa Police Officer Over Alleged Property Damage

 

The Adamawa State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two men suspected of murdering a police officer, Ibrahim Maizabuwa. The suspects, identified as Ezekiel Kefas, aged 67, and Stephen Zabadi,aged 44, are residents of Wamsa Suwa Ward in Lamurde Local Government Area.

The incident, which has sparked widespread concern, allegedly stemmed from a dispute involving damaged property, including pots of soup. 

The victim, Ibrahim Maizabuwa, served with the Nigeria Police Force in Gombe State but lost his life while visiting Wamsa Suwa Ward. Sources, including Jaratvent Blog, reveal that Maizabuwa was killed during an altercation that escalated when he reportedly destroyed property belonging to his friend, Ezekiel Kefas.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Kefas recounted his version of the events:

"My friend came and started destroying properties, including pots of soup and water, and assaulting people. This caused panic, prompting women and children to raise an alarm, which attracted local thugs. They beat him to death."

Eyewitnesses told Jaratvent Blog that the commotion attracted individuals, including Yakubu Suleiman and Kilyobas, who allegedly attacked Maizabuwa with sticks. One witness stated,

  "The thugs appeared after the alarm was raised and beat him mercilessly until he died."

Efforts to locate some of the assailants involved in the mob action have so far been unsuccessful, as some reportedly fled the community after the attack. 

The Adamawa State Police Command confirmed the arrest of Ezekiel Kefas and Stephen Zabadi on November 19. According to the command’s spokesperson, SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, the arrests followed a formal report lodged by Danlami Ibrahim Maizabuwa, the deceased officer’s son, who is also based in Gombe.

SP Nguroje stated:
"Preliminary investigations reveal that the officer had entrusted two cows to his friend, Ezekiel Kefas, for safekeeping. During a visit to check on the cows, an altercation occurred, culminating in the tragic incident. The Commissioner of Police, Morris Dankombo, has directed a thorough investigation to ensure justice is served."

While the suspects claim the altercation arose from Maizabuwa's disruptive behavior, reports from close associates of the deceased suggest an alternative motive. Some community members believe the incident was premeditated, linked to underlying tensions between Maizabuwa and Kefas over the entrusted livestock.

Police authorities have assured the public that all angles of the case will be thoroughly examined. The suspects will be arraigned in court following the conclusion of investigations.

The incident has left residents of Wamsa Suwa Ward in shock, with many condemning the act of mob justice. Community leaders have called for calm while urging law enforcement to expedite the investigation and apprehend all individuals involved.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said:
"This kind of incident tarnishes the image of our community. We must allow the law to take its course instead of resorting to violence."

The public awaits the outcome of the case, hoping for swift justice to honor the memory of the slain officer and restore faith in the rule of law.