23-Year-Old Man Stabs Best Friend to Death Over ‘Pure Water for Ablution’ Argument in Niger

23-Year-Old Man Stabs Best Friend to Death Over ‘Pure Water for Ablution’ Argument in Niger

  • Police arrested a 23-year-old man for allegedly stabbing his childhood friend to death over a sachet water dispute
  • The argument reportedly started during preparations for Maghrib prayer and escalated into a fatal confrontation
  • The victim died from his injuries as police confirmed the arrest and launched an investigation

A 23-year-old man, Abdulazeez Abubakar, has been arrested by the Niger state Police Command for allegedly stabbing his childhood friend to death following a dispute over sachet water, popularly known as ‘pure water’, in Minna, the state capital.

The incident occurred on Tuesday evening, December 19, in the Dutsen-Kura-Hausa area of Minna, leaving residents shocked over how a minor disagreement escalated into a fatal confrontation.

A 23-year-old man is arrested by the Nigerian Police after allegedly killing his best friend over a dispute about ablution water.
The Nigerian Police nab a 23-year-old man for allegedly stabbing his childhood friend to death over satchet water for prayer. Photo credit: Contibution
Source: Getty Images

Dispute reportedly began during prayer preparations

Eyewitnesses said the disagreement started over sachet water meant for ablution as both young men prepared for the Maghrib prayer, Daily Trust reported.

Residents disclosed that what initially appeared to be a minor misunderstanding quickly degenerated into a heated argument between the two friends, who had grown up together and lived along Adamawa Road in the same neighbourhood.

Read also

Niger: Policeman tragically shoots himself as details emerge

“One moment they were arguing, the next thing we heard was shouting. “Nobody imagined it would end the way it did," he said.

Victim succumbed to injuries despite rescue efforts

During the altercation, Abubakar allegedly drew a sharp object and stabbed the victim, 20-year-old Sadiq Sani, inflicting severe injuries.

Neighbours and passers-by reportedly made frantic efforts to save Sani, but he later died from his wounds.

Police confirm arrest and investigation

The Niger State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying the suspect had been arrested and was currently in custody.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said officers attached to the GRA Division responded swiftly after receiving a distress report.

“On 17/12/2025 at about 7.40pm, report indicated that there was a fight at Dutsen-Kura between one Abdulazeez Abubakar, 23 years, and Sadiq Sani, 20 years, both of Dutsen-Kura, Minna, which led to the death of Sani.
“Police operatives of GRA Division rushed to the scene and arrested Abubakar. The incident is under investigation, and the suspect will soon be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Minna, for further necessary action," Abiodun said.

Read also

Just In: Tragedy as Assistant Commissioner of Police slumps, dies during meeting

Community mourns tragic loss

Police detain a 23-year-old after a quarrel over ablution water ends in the death of his close friend.
A deadly argument over water for ablution lands a 23-year-old in police custody in Niger state. Photo credit: Nurphotos
Source: Getty Images

The tragic incident has thrown the Dutsen-Kura community into mourning, with residents describing the deceased as calm and friendly, Vanguard reported.

Police have urged members of the public to resolve disputes peacefully and avoid resorting to violence, stressing that investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Police arrest Peller

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Nigerian TikTok star Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, was reportedly taken into custody by the police following an attempt to kill himself, reportedly caused by a breakup with his girlfriend, Jarvis.

According to social media influencer Tunde Perry, Peller is currently at a police station. He called for public support and encouragement for the young creator.

In now viral footage, Peller was heard speaking moments before the crash in a visible state of distress, thanking his followers and stating that he was ready to take his life.

Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Ezra Ukanwa avatar

Ezra Ukanwa (Politics and Current Affairs Editor) Ezra Ukanwa is a Reuters-certified journalist with over 5 years of professional experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from Anchor University, Lagos. Currently, he is the Politics and Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng, where he brings his expertise to provide incisive, impactful coverage of national events. Ezra was recognized as Best Campus Journalist at the Anchor University Communications Awards in 2019 and is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM). Contact him at: ezra.ukanwa@corp.legit.ng or +2349036989944

Tags: