Authorities in Kaduna State have launched an investigation into an alleged case of abuse involving vigilante members in Zaria, following claims that a 20-year-old man was severely injured during interrogation over a suspected case of chicken theft.
The victim, identified as Aliyu Nuhu, was reportedly detained by local vigilante operatives in the Anguwar Sirdi area of Limancin Kona Ward, Zaria City. According to accounts from his family, Aliyu sustained a serious head injury while in the custody of the vigilante group, an incident that has since drawn public concern and police intervention.
Speaking with journalists, the victim’s father, Mallam Salisu Nuhu, also known as Babande, alleged that his son was subjected to excessive punishment after being accused of stealing a chicken. He maintained that the allegation was a misunderstanding, explaining that he had personally instructed his son to sell a chicken at the market.
Babande stated that Aliyu did not return home as expected, prompting concern. He later said he was approached by a vigilante member who directed him to their office, where he was informed that his son had been arrested on suspicion of theft.
According to the father, the vigilante group initially demanded a sum of N5,000 as bail. However, when he explained that he could not afford the amount, the operatives reportedly allowed him to take his son home.
It was only after returning home that Babande said he noticed signs of serious injury on his son’s head. Upon questioning, Aliyu reportedly told his father that he had been injured during interrogation while in the custody of the vigilantes.
Disturbed by the discovery, the family returned to the vigilante office, after which they proceeded to a nearby chemist in the company of one of the accused vigilante members, identified as Nuhu. The chemist, after assessing the injury, referred the victim to the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) in Shika for specialist care.
Babande explained that hospital officials requested a police report before treatment could commence. He added that the injury required surgical intervention, which was eventually carried out nearly two weeks later. According to him, the family spent more than N800,000 on medical treatment during the process.
Aliyu, who also spoke on the matter, identified one Nuhu Dan Banga as the vigilante member who allegedly inflicted the injury during interrogation. He stated that he lost consciousness during the ordeal and only became fully aware of the extent of his injuries later.
The Kaduna State Police Command has since confirmed the incident. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Zaria City Division, Nura Abubakar, said that one suspect connected to the case had been arrested, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend another suspect who is currently at large.
The DPO assured the public that the police are conducting a thorough investigation and that all individuals found culpable would be charged to court once inquiries are concluded.
The incident has sparked renewed debate over the conduct and oversight of vigilante groups in parts of the country. Human rights advocates have repeatedly warned against unlawful detention, torture, and extrajudicial punishment by non-state actors, urging citizens to report suspected crimes to law enforcement agencies instead.
Police authorities reiterated that vigilante groups are not permitted to administer punishment and must operate strictly within the law. The case remains under investigation as the victim continues his recovery.
Source: Africa Publicity
