Iliayasu Mohammed is accused of murdering his friend, Safillahi Muhammad, after entertaining him for supper at his home.
Mohammed was claimed to have brought his friend to his home in Dantata Village, Federal Capital Territory, and offered him food before attacking him with a cutlass.
Josephine Adeh, spokesperson for the FCT police command, confirmed the event in a statement released on Wednesday.
Adeh reported that police officers responded to a distress call at approximately 1:30 PM on February 13, 2025.
She stated that upon arrival, police found Muhammad lying unconscious in a pool of blood with multiple cutlass wounds on his head and body.
Adeh said, “On February 13, 2025, the FCT Police Command responded to a distress call received at about 01:30pm regarding a suspected homicide in Dantata Village. Officers quickly mobilized to the scene, leading to the arrest of 23-year-old Iliayasu Mohammed from Dakwa, Municipal Area Council, Abuja. He is accused of the brutal murder of his friend, Safillahi Muhammad.
“Initial investigations indicate that the suspect lured the victim to his home, where he served him food. While the victim was eating, Mohammed attacked him with a cutlass, inflicting multiple wounds to the head and body. Police found the victim unconscious in a pool of blood and transported him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.”
According to Adeh, Mohammed was an ex-convict with ties to a syndicate targeting motorcyclists for theft.
During interrogation, he confessed to the killing and offered information on the network’s operations.
Adeh said, “Further inquiries revealed that Mohammed is an ex-convict. During questioning, he confessed to the murder and disclosed his involvement in a criminal syndicate led by an individual named Hassan, who remains at large. This gang is known for targeting motorcyclists to steal their vehicles.
“The police are actively pursuing other members of the gang who have fled. Mohammed will face charges in court following the completion of the investigation.”
“Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, urges residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement. The Command is dedicated to maintaining the safety and security of all residents,” the statement added.
