Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
GOMBE, Nigeria — A suspected homicide has put residents of the Kundulun Quarters in Gombe metropolis on edge after a neighbour was discovered dead outside her home and a tenant arrested in connection with the tragedy. The Gombe State Police Command confirmed on Thursday that a 37‑year‑old man, identified as Bello Abubakar, is in custody following the death of 38‑year‑old Maryam Hassan, whose body was found with severe head injuries early on Tuesday morning. The development has prompted heightened scrutiny from law enforcement and sparked concern among community members about safety and neighbourly relations in the city.
Police disclosed that the alarm was raised shortly after 6:00 a.m. on February 3, when a concerned resident alerted authorities to a woman lying motionless in a pool of blood in front of her residence in the densely populated Kundulun Quarters. Responding officers from the Gombe Division swiftly arrived at the scene and moved the injured woman to a nearby hospital. Medical personnel, however, pronounced her dead shortly after arrival, citing extensive trauma consistent with violent assault.
In an official statement, Police Public Relations Officer Buhari Abdullahi described the initial circumstances leading to Abubakar’s arrest. According to Abdullahi, detectives quickly established that the victim and suspect lived in the same compound, prompting them to focus on Abubakar as a person of interest. During the preliminary investigation, items believed to be related to the incident were recovered from the vicinity and from the suspect’s possession. Among these were a pestle, a stool, a bucket, and a shirt believed to be stained with blood. Notably, a mobile phone — identified as a Redmi 15C and reported to belong to the deceased — was also found with Abubakar, intensifying suspicions of foul play.
Police say Abubakar subsequently confessed to involvement in the crime during interrogation, though the factual content, context and circumstances of his admission have not been fully disclosed. Abdullahi emphasised that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to enable more thorough forensic and evidentiary work. He reiterated that investigators are continuing to interview witnesses and gather material evidence to build a prosecutable case.
The Gombe State Commissioner of Police, Umar Chuso, sought to reassure unsettled residents by pledging the full weight of police resources to the investigation. Chuso underscored that the command is committed to pursuing justice in accordance with legal standards and that emerging findings would be communicated as they are verified. Authorities have also appealed to members of the public to maintain vigilance and cooperate with law enforcement by reporting credible information that could assist in strengthening security within the community.
The arrest in Gombe comes against a broader backdrop of concerns about crime and public safety in parts of Nigeria, where violent incidents — including interpersonal homicides, armed robberies and other violent offences — periodically capture national attention. The police response in this case, characterised by rapid deployment to the scene and prompt identification of a suspect, reflects growing expectations among citizens for timely law enforcement action when serious crimes occur.
Legal experts underscore that while a confession can be a critical piece of investigative material, it must be carefully corroborated with physical evidence and witness testimony for a successful prosecution under Nigerian law. Safeguards embedded in the legal process are designed to ensure that suspects’ rights are respected and that investigations culminate in fair trials. As such, authorities have indicated that the suspect will be held and charged following completion of necessary investigative procedures.
While developments remain fluid and details continue to emerge, the case has reverberated through Gombe’s local news and social circles, with many residents expressing a mix of shock and concern. Some community members have called for increased policing and community engagement initiatives to reduce the likelihood of similar incidents in the future, particularly in areas where neighbours live in close proximity.
Observers also note that policing in urban communities like Gombe demand both effective crime deterrence and strong community relations, given the interdependence of residents and the potential for neighbourhood disputes to escalate when underlying social or economic tensions exist. In response, community leaders have reiterated the importance of peaceful conflict resolution and immediate reporting of suspicious activity to authorities.
Nationally, the Nigeria Police Force has been under pressure to improve investigative outcomes and public trust, especially in homicide cases that draw intense public interest or scrutiny. In past months, authorities have highlighted their commitment to more robust investigative methods, including greater use of forensic analysis and inter‑agency cooperation, to enhance case resolution rates.
For the family of Maryam Hassan, the coming weeks are likely to be marked by grief and anticipation as they wait for the judicial process to unfold. The broader Gombe community, meanwhile, remains engaged with the case, seeking assurance that justice will be delivered and that measures will be taken to prevent further loss of life due to violent crime.
As the investigation progresses under SCID auspices, further official updates are expected to clarify the evidentiary basis for charges and outline next steps in pursuing a legal resolution. Authorities have reiterated that the criminal justice system will guide all actions moving forward, with transparency and adherence to legal norms forming the basis of public communication as the matter advances toward prosecution.
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