The Niger State Police have arrested a serving soldier, Private Sadiq Sani, for allegedly attempting an armed robbery and violently assaulting a local businessman, Abdulrahman Salihu, in Minna.
According to reports, the incident occurred on Eid-el-Fitr when Sani visited Salihu’s shop to purchase shirts.
After selecting items, Sani requested Salihu’s bank details under the pretense of making a mobile transfer.
However, the shop owner suspected fraud when he received what appeared to be a fake payment alert and insisted on verifying the transfer before handing over the goods.
An argument reportedly broke out, during which Sani pulled out a knife and attacked Salihu, inflicting multiple cuts.
He allegedly severed the victim’s fingers during the assault and fled the scene to his home in the Limawa area.
Police officers from the Central Divisional Command later tracked Sani to his residence.
He reportedly resisted arrest but was eventually subdued and taken into custody.
A second suspect was also arrested in connection with the incident.
The case has been escalated to the military authorities.
Captain U.S. Ibrahim of the 313 Brigade, Minna Cantonment, confirmed that Sani would face a court martial in Abuja.
“He will be arraigned and dismissed before being handed over to the police for prosecution,” Ibrahim stated.
Niger State Police spokesperson, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the arrests. He said Salihu, a 26-year-old shoe vendor, was brought to the Central Police Station on March 30 with three fingers severed.
Abiodun added that both suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and legal action.