Family raises alarm over alleged killing of prison warder by security operatives in Zamfara

Commander of the Zamfara State Community Protection Guards ‘Asakarawa’ in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, is being accused of killing one Abdurrahman Muhammad, a prison warder, along with three others.

The relatives of the deceased made the allegation when they filed their complaint to Zamfara State Human Rights Commission, claiming that the commander was involved in the death of their family member.

The “Askarawa,” known as “Zamfara State Community Protection Guards,” were inaugurated by the Zamfara State government on February 1, 2024. Their role is to help security agencies to combat banditry and kidnapping in the state.

Explaining the incident in an exclusive interview with Newspot, a relative, Jamilu Muhammad Kaura, said they were in regular contact with their brother, Abdurrahman Muhammad, until he suddenly became unreachable. Jamilu said “residents informed me that on October 28, 2024, security personnel came to the house, broke the door, and arrested Abdurrahman Muhammad along with three others (two women and one man). The arrested individuals were allegedly beaten severely before being taken away”.

Jamilu accused some of Abdurrahman’s associates, including Jamilu Bala 77 and Shehu Malam Mani, who had prior disputes with him, of plotting against him and using the Zamfara security personnel to carry out their plan. He claimed this occurred in the presence of witnesses, including Sani Babaje and Shehu Dan Tsohuwa.

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Another member of the family Abdulmumini Muhammad pledged to pursue the case untill justice is served, “we will not relent, the blood of our brother will not go in vain”.

After investigations, it was discovered that the bodies of several people, including Abdurrahman Muhammad, were found in a village called Gidan Sambo in the local government area.

The family accused Ya’u Commander, the leader of the Zamfara security guards in Kaura Namoda, of conspiring with Jamilu Bala 77 and Shehu Malam Mani to kill Abdurrahman Muhammad. The state police commissioner ordered the arrest and prosecution of Ya’u Commander, who was subsequently remanded in prison.

However, the family expressed concerns about the police granting bail to the two other suspects, Jamilu Bala 77 and Shehu Malam Mani, without their knowledge, leading them to suspect foul play.

This prompted the family to approach the Zamfara State Human Rights Commission seeking justice.

Newspot contacted the commission to get an update on the investigation.

The secretary of the commission, Hassan Haruna, clarified that they had already submitted a formal complaint to the Zamfara State Commissioner of Police and the Director of the Zamfara State Department of State Services (DSS) regarding the matter.

When contacted to address the accusations leveled against them, the spokesperson for the Zamfara State Police Command SP Yazid Abubakar asked the complainants to return to the state police command to review their complaint.