society

Outrage as Widow Accuses Police of Killing 27-Year-Old Son in Niger State

Published

1 year ago

March 21, 2025

Outrage as Widow Accuses Police of Killing 27-Year-Old Son in Niger State

Minna, Niger State – A tragic incident has sparked outrage and grief in the Angwa-Kaje area of Maitumbi, Minna, as a widow, Aisha Hassan, has accused operatives of the Niger State Police Command of killing her 27-year-old son, Sani Khalid, in cold blood.

The heart-wrenching event unfolded in the early hours of March 10, 2025, when Khalid stepped outside to get fresh air around 3 a.m. due to the hot weather. Moments later, a police patrol vehicle arrived, and within seconds, gunshots rang out. Aisha, a 45-year-old mother of nine who has been widowed for 11 years, recounted the chilling moment she found her son lifeless on a bench at a tea vendor’s shop.

“I Shook Him, But He Was Lifeless”

Narrating her ordeal to Arewa PUNCH, Aisha revealed how she heard the second gunshot and immediately sensed that someone had been shot. Running outside in search of her son, she found Khalid lying motionless.

“I shook him to wake him up, but he didn’t move. When I shook him again, he rolled down from the bench to the floor. That was when I screamed, realizing that the police had shot my son,” she wept.

Neighbors rushed to the scene and hurriedly transported Khalid to the hospital, where doctors confirmed his death.

An Unarmed Victim & Allegedly Drunk Officer

Eyewitnesses in the area claimed that Khalid was unarmed and posed no threat. One of them, identified as Ibrahim, said that the police officer who fired the shot appeared to be intoxicated and also attempted to shoot the tea vendor, who barely managed to escape.

“The policeman was drunk when he stepped down from the patrol van. He shot Khalid in the stomach while he was lying on the bench. He then tried to shoot the mai shai, but the vendor ran for his life. There was no fight, no unrest—nothing to warrant police intervention,” Ibrahim stated.

Residents condemned the killing, describing it as an act of sheer recklessness by the police. Khalid, a promising footballer and trader, was said to be the breadwinner of his family following the death of his father. His mother is now left grieving, with eight other children to care for.

Police Response: “It Was a Stray Bullet”

In response to the allegations, the Niger State Police Command, through its spokesman Wasiu Abiodun, admitted that Khalid was killed by police gunfire but described it as an “unfortunate stray bullet.”

According to Abiodun, the police patrol team was responding to a distress call about a group of youths allegedly causing unrest in the area. He claimed that when the police arrived, they were attacked with stones, prompting one officer to fire shots in an attempt to disperse the crowd.

“In a bid to disperse the boys, one of the patrol team members fired gunshots, and a stray bullet allegedly hit Sani Khalid in the stomach,” Abiodun stated.

He added that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Maitumbi has been directed to investigate the incident and identify the officer responsible for necessary disciplinary actions.

However, Abiodun remained silent on the allegations that the officer who fired the shot was under the influence of alcohol.

Demand for Justice

The killing of Khalid has ignited public outcry, with residents and human rights advocates calling for justice. Many have criticized the police’s handling of the situation and demanded an independent investigation to uncover the truth.

Meanwhile, Aisha Hassan remains inconsolable, calling on authorities to hold those responsible accountable. “Sani was all I had. Now they have taken him from me. They must bring back my son,” she sobbed.

As the nation watches, the people of Niger State wait for justice to be served.

society

US-Based Society Lady, Fehintola-Brat Extends Eid-El-Kabir Greetings To Muslims

Published

17 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Sahara Weekly

US-Based Society Lady, Fehintola-Brat Extends Eid-El-Kabir Greetings To Muslims

United States based fahionista of class, Chief (Mrs) Ayoola Fehintola-Brat has extended a warm greetings to Muslim faithful all over the world on the occasion of the 2026 Eid-El-Kabir celebration.

Fehintola-Brat who is the Balogun Egbe Obaneye Obinrin Akile Ijebu, and the Yeye Asofin of Idenaland in her message to Journalists urged Muslim to continually uphold the enduring values of sacrifice, obedience, faith, and compassion, which are central to the significance of Eid-El-Kabir festival.

A quiet philantropist whose humanitarian services has won her several laurels urged Muslims to use the spiritual occasion to pray for the peace co-existence of Nigerians regardless of religious, social and political leanings stressing that the oneness of the country should not be underplay.

In a related development, she expressed her felicitations to all sons and daughters of Ijebuland on the forthcoming Ojude Oba 2026 celebration, tasking age-groups otherwise known as Regbregbe to be more proactive in giving back to their immediate communities.

According to her, the beauty of the age-groups in Ijebuland is the need to contribute immensely to the development of the land in no small means. “This we will continue to achieve with God on our side”, she concluded.

society

Sallah: Obasa Felicitates Muslim Ummah, Commends Nigerians for APC Primaries Turnout

Published

19 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Sallah: Obasa Felicitates Muslim Ummah, Commends Nigerians for APC Primaries Turnout

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has extended warm felicitations to Muslims in Lagos State and across Nigeria on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.

In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Dave Agboola, Obasa described the festival as a season of sacrifice, reflection, and gratitude, urging the faithful to continue to uphold the values of peace, unity, and love that strengthen the nation.

He noted that the celebration of Eid al-Adha is not only a spiritual milestone but also a reminder of the importance of togetherness and collective responsibility in building a stronger society.

He, likewise, emphasized that the festival provides an opportunity for Nigerians to renew their commitment to national progress and to support leadership that prioritizes development and prosperity.

Obasa, however, commended Nigerians, particularly members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for their massive turnout during the recently concluded party primaries. He described the participation as a clear demonstration of the people’s confidence in the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and their belief in the administration’s vision for a greater Nigeria.

“The APC primaries have shown the resilience of our democracy and the confidence Nigerians have in the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda. This is a strong message that our people are ready to continue supporting policies that will drive growth and prosperity,” Obasa stated.

The Speaker further encouraged Muslims to celebrate responsibly, stressing that the joy of Eid should be accompanied by prayers for the continued peace and progress of Lagos State and Nigeria.

“As you celebrate with family and loved ones, may this season bring joy, peace, and prosperity to your homes. Let us remain united in our resolve to build a stronger nation,” he added.

On behalf of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Obasa wished all Muslims a happy and fulfilling Eid al-Adha celebration.

society

ABEOKUTA FILM FESTIVAL AT ILEYA

Published

1 day ago

May 26, 2026

Sahara Weekly

ABEOKUTA FILM FESTIVAL AT ILEYA

Kayshow Multimedia a filmmaking and Media organization this year 2026 holds its annual Abeokuta film festival at the Ake Palace in Abeokuta.

Alake of Egba land, Ọba Michael Adedotun Arẹmu Gbadebo has graciously endorsed the Free Training of Egba Youths on Film and Arts and the Entertainment of the the People with a FREE FILM SHOW at the AKE PAVILION. as part of the ABEOKUTA FILM FESTIVAL 2.0.

The Convener of the Film Festival Honorable Kehinde Soaga says this year’s event promises to be more exciting as distinguished personalities are sure to attend.

This includes the honorable Minister for Art Culture and Creative Economy in Nigeria, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, Ààrẹ Lai Labode, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun and other special guests.

The event will feature Film, Cultural Dance Cultural foods and Award Ceremony.

The general public is hereby invited to the Free film show at the Abeokuta film festival at the Alake Palace Pavilion on Thursday 28th of May 2026 by 4:00 p.m.

Only well dressed is the Entry. The Abeokuta Film Festival is an annual event taking place in the capital city of Ogun State state.