Nigerian tailor, Mas’udu Saidu Gulma, who was declared wanted in Niger Republic over the alleged killing of his business partner, Mas’udu M. Sani, has reportedly been arrested in Nigeria and handed over to the Kebbi State Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation.
The development was disclosed on Friday by conflict reporter Bakatsine in a post on X.
Gulma, a native of Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, was reportedly wanted by authorities in Niger Republic following the death of Sani, a native of Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
According to Bakatsine, the two men, both Nigerians, were working together at the same tailoring shop in Niger Republic before the incident occurred.
“Mas’udu Saidu Gulma, the Nigerian tailor from Argungu LGA, Kebbi State, who was wanted in Niger Republic over the alleged killing of his business partner, has been arrested in Nigeria.
“He was reportedly handed over to the Kebbi State Police CID for further investigation,” Bakatsine stated.
The reporter described the arrest as a significant development in the case, adding that attention would now shift to the investigation and the establishment of the circumstances surrounding Sani’s death.
Earlier reports surrounding the incident indicated that Gulma and Sani had a heated argument on Tuesday night before retiring to bed.
Gulma allegedly later woke up, picked up a knife and attacked Sani.
Neighbours reportedly heard Sani crying for help at about midnight and rushed to intervene before he was taken to a hospital for medical treatment.
Sani reportedly underwent surgery as doctors battled to save his life, with the operation continuing until about 3am.
He, however, reportedly died from injuries sustained during the alleged attack.
Following the incident, Gulma allegedly fled and remained at large, prompting authorities in Niger Republic to commence efforts to locate him.
His reported arrest in Nigeria has now brought the case before the Kebbi State Police CID, which is expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding Sani’s death and determine the appropriate legal steps.
However, details about the arrest remain limited.
Bakatsine’s latest disclosure did not state exactly when or where Gulma was arrested, nor did it provide details about how Nigerian authorities located or apprehended him.
It also remains unclear what triggered the argument between the two men before the alleged attack.
Another major issue that could arise from the case is jurisdiction, as the alleged offence reportedly occurred in Niger Republic while the suspect has now been arrested in Nigeria and handed over to the Kebbi State Police.
Questions may therefore arise over which country will handle any eventual prosecution and whether Nigerian authorities will commence proceedings locally or hand Gulma over to authorities in Niger Republic, depending on the applicable legal and diplomatic procedures.
The Kebbi State Police CID is expected to establish the facts surrounding the case, including the circumstances of Sani’s death, the sequence of events leading to the alleged attack, the circumstances of Gulma’s arrest and any other evidence relevant to the investigation.
The allegations against Gulma remain allegations at this stage. His arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt, and the circumstances surrounding Sani’s death are expected to be determined through investigation and, where applicable, subsequent judicial proceedings.