Man Fatally Stabbed in Sokoto Over Alleged Stolen Phone

A 32-year-old man identified as Usman Halilu, referred to locally as “Mallam Giwa,” has lost his life after being stabbed during a confrontation in Sokoto. The altercation reportedly stemmed from a disagreement over a mobile phone that had gone missing approximately four months earlier.

The fatal incident took place late Sunday night, around 11:10 PM, in the Minanata neighbourhood, causing significant distress among residents.

According to an eyewitness who was with the deceased at the time, the issue began at a phone charging shop where a device disappeared. The eyewitness stated that the shop owner had requested assistance from Halilu to move an engine into the premises.

“Giwa asked me to assist, but I didn’t. The suspect, Mansur Muhammad, then helped move it into the shop and left shortly after,” the eyewitness recounted.

The witness further explained that shortly after the suspect left, the shop owner discovered a phone was missing, leading to suspicion falling on the suspect, who was reportedly known for similar past transgressions.

“We traced him, and the matter was reported to the police. At the end, they were asked to settle it among themselves,” the eyewitness added.

It is alleged that the suspect harboured resentment towards Halilu, believing he had exposed him, and had made threats.

Recounting the events of the night, the eyewitness stated that he and Halilu were walking together when Halilu momentarily moved ahead.

“I suddenly heard him shouting, ‘Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un.’ When I turned back, I saw Mansur stabbing him repeatedly,” the witness said.

The suspect reportedly fled the scene immediately after the attack. The eyewitness, along with another individual, transported the injured Halilu to a hospital.

“We had to get a police report before he could be attended to, but by the time we returned, the doctor confirmed him dead on arrival,” the eyewitness reported.

In the aftermath of the stabbing, reports indicate that some local youths gathered and went to the suspect's family home, allegedly seeking him and at some point attempting to set the house on fire. This led to the suspect's parents leaving their home.

A neighbour later identified the suspect, leading to his apprehension.

Hauwa’u Halilu, the mother of the deceased, characterized her son as a quiet and non-confrontational individual, expressing the profound grief and devastation his death has brought upon the family.

The Sokoto State Police Command, through its spokesperson DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, confirmed the arrest and stated that the suspect is currently in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department.

DSP Rufa’i further indicated that the suspect will face legal charges once the ongoing investigation is completed.