Police Arrest Two Over Murder of 50-Year-Old Man, Recover Decomposing Body From Dry Well
The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested two suspects over the alleged murder of a 50-year-old man, Jude Thaddeus, popularly known as Musa, whose decomposed remains were discovered inside a dry well at his residence in Aku Village, Base 5, Karu Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects were arrested following an investigation into the victim’s disappearance after his sister, 46-year-old Jennifer Alain, reported the matter at Aso Pada Division on November 3, 2026.
According to the police, Alain had reported that her elder brother had been unreachable despite repeated attempts to contact him. She raised the alarm after discovering that an unidentified person repeatedly answered calls made to his telephone number.
Following the complaint, detectives launched an investigation, which led to the arrest of the first suspect, identified as Yusuf Musa, 23.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Yusuf was allegedly employed by the deceased about three months earlier to look after his domestic animals and had subsequently become familiar with members of the community.
The police disclosed that the victim had reportedly been missing since October 22, 2026, while the suspect allegedly took possession of his mobile phone and deceived callers by claiming that his supposed father had travelled to England.
Further investigations reportedly revealed that the suspect had been disposing of the deceased’s personal belongings, domestic animals and other properties under suspicious circumstances.
He also allegedly confessed to selling some heavy metals and industrial engines belonging to the victim for ₦3.4 million.
During interrogation, Yusuf reportedly admitted involvement in the killing and disclosed that the victim’s body had been dumped inside a dry well within his residence.
Acting on the information, detectives, alongside environmental services personnel, visited the scene and recovered the decomposed remains from the well.
Preliminary findings indicated that the victim was allegedly killed inside his residence before his body was dumped in the well and set ablaze. The suspects reportedly covered the well with several blocks in an attempt to conceal the crime.
The remains were subsequently taken to the Medical Centre, Mararaba, where a medical doctor examined and certified the victim dead.
The police said further investigations led to the identification and arrest of another suspect, alongside two persons allegedly involved in receiving the stolen properties.
The two suspects currently in police custody are Yusuf Musa, 23, and Victor Zamani, 32, while a third suspect is still at large.
The Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State Command, CP Shetima Jauro Mohamed, has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Lafia, for a comprehensive investigation and prosecution of anyone found culpable.
The commissioner commended the detectives for their prompt response and professionalism, assuring residents that the command would ensure that everyone connected with the crime is brought to justice.
He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
The command assured residents that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and bring all those involved to justice.
