In a shocking incident in Adamawa State, a 55-year-old hunter named Yusuf Garba, also known as Gana, has been arrested by the police for allegedly digging up his stepfather’s grave and cutting off his head. The arrest took place after Garba admitted to the crime during police questioning.
According to SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, the Police Public Relations Officer, Garba confessed to the crime after he was apprehended. Garba, a resident of Tappare Kona Uku in Jada Local Government Area of Adamawa, revealed that the son of the deceased had approached him and asked for his father’s head for ritual purposes. The son believed that the head was needed for traditional rites after the stepfather’s passing.
Garba explained that when his stepfather died, the deceased’s son initially tried to take the body to Jalingo, Taraba State, for burial, but was not allowed to do so. A year after the burial, the son returned, asking Garba for the head to perform traditional rites. The request put Garba under pressure, as he feared that refusing could bring harm to him and his children. Garba also mentioned that he believed the son was a witch and could use his powers to harm them.
Feeling coerced, Garba set out early in the morning, around 4:00 am, armed with a hoe. He dug up the grave and severed the head from the body. Afterward, he placed the head in a plastic bag and handed it over to the deceased’s son.
Two weeks later, Garba was approached by the wife of the deceased, who told him about the troubling dreams she had been having ever since the head was kept in their bedroom. To ease her distress, Garba performed a ritual to stop the dreams.
Police Investigation
The Police Public Relations Officer confirmed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Morris Dankombo, has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident. Garba is now facing charges, and the police are taking the necessary steps for his prosecution.
This disturbing act has raised concerns in the community, as it highlights the extent to which ritualistic practices can lead to criminal actions. Authorities are working to ensure justice is served in this case.
