Bauchi police probe murder of Habse Ubale accused of witchcraft

On 28 July 2026, 30‑year‑old Habse Ubale was attacked and killed in Garin Malam Village, Gamawa LGA, Bauchi State, Nigeria, after being accused of witchcraft. Police say the assault was carried out by Garba Daudu, 35, who conspired with two accomplices, Ya’u Garba and an unidentified man named Musa, to break into the home of Audu Sabo. The suspects also assaulted Sabo’s children, Sale Audu (12) and Yakubu Audu (14), with sticks, while Ubale was repeatedly hacked with a machete.

Victims were taken to General Hospital Gamawa; Ubale was pronounced dead, one child remained hospitalized and the other two were discharged. A joint team of police operatives, hunters and vigilantes responded, arresting one suspect while the other two remain at large. The investigation has been transferred to the Bauchi State Criminal Investigation Department. Police Commissioner Sani‑Omolori Aliyu condemned the killing and warned residents against jungle justice driven by superstition.