Police arrest suspect for ritual attempt on 10-year-old in Katsina

The Katsina State Police Command has arrested a 20-year-old man over an alleged ritual-related attempt to kill a 10-year-old boy in Katsina State.

Sources said the incident occurred on February 22 at about 7:30 p.m. when the suspect, identified as Aliyu Ashabu of Kuidawa Village and known locally as a self-styled native doctor, “Boka,” allegedly lured the boy, Alhassan Usman, into a nearby bush and pushed him into a well.

The victim was rescued the following day by a Good Samaritan and taken to General Hospital Katsina, where he was treated for varying degrees of injuries.

Police investigations led to the suspect’s arrest, and he reportedly confessed, claiming he was preparing charms for an individual identified as Khalid, who remains at large.

Authorities said the case is being investigated for attempted culpable homicide, unlawful juju practices, and cultism, while efforts continue to apprehend other persons linked to the incident.