The Zamfara State Hisbah Commission has reportedly arrested a woman, Khadija Abdullah, over allegations of engaging in witchcraft related activities in the Gadar Baga area of Gusau, the state capital.
The commission’s Public Relations Officer, Umar Haruna Tsafe, disclosed the arrest in a statement issued on Tuesday, July 15. He said community leaders reported alleged spiritual practices at the suspect’s residence, prompting the commission to launch an investigation.
According to the statement, Hisbah Commission operatives raided the residence after receiving complaints from residents.
The commission’s Director of Operations, Lawal Abubakar Maradun, explained that the suspect admitted during interrogation that she used certain perfumes and claimed to be possessed by spirits. He added that she told investigators she recited prayers into water and gave it to people as treatment for spiritual problems.
During the operation, operatives also found another woman, Asiya Lawal, at the residence. She reportedly told officials that she had visited the house to seek treatment for what she described as a spiritual ailment.
The commission also quoted a resident as alleging that the house had become a regular destination for people seeking traditional or spiritual remedies during the day and at night.
However, the Chairman of the Zamfara State Hisbah Commission, Sheikh Umar Hassan Gusau, directed investigators to deepen the investigation, establish the facts surrounding the allegations, and ensure due legal process.
Notably, the commission has yet to announce any formal charges against the suspect, while investigations continue.
By Musekir Faisat OmolaraÂ
