The Bauchi State Police Command has apprehended a 17-year-old boy, Auwal Dahiru, alongside five accomplices, for allegedly plucking out the eyes of his seven-year-old sister, Rukayya Muhammad, in what authorities suspect to be a money ritual attempt. The incident occurred in Bayan Dutse Village, Wailo, Kubi Ward, Ganjuwa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
Police spokesperson Ahmed Wakil disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, noting that the case was reported on October 17, 2025, by one Muhammad Adamu at the Soro Divisional Police Headquarters. According to the report, Auwal deceitfully lured his sister into a nearby bush at about 8 p.m., attacked her, and forcefully removed both eyes.
Responding swiftly, the Divisional Police Officer, Aliyu Goni, led detectives to the scene, where Auwal was arrested. The victim was immediately rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, for treatment.
Tragically, doctors confirmed that the young girl had permanently lost her sight. “A medical doctor (eye specialist) confirmed that the victim will never regain her vision for the rest of her life,” the police statement read.
Further investigation led to the arrest of other suspects linked to the crime, including Mohammed Rabiu (19), Saleh Ibrahim (20), Nasiru Muhammad of Soro town, Hassan Garba of Soro town, and Garba Dahiru (43). All suspects reportedly confessed to their involvement during interrogation.
Police say the motive behind the horrific act is still under investigation, while Commissioner of Police Sani-Omolori Aliyu has ordered the case transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet and professional handling.
This shocking case adds to a troubling trend of ritual-related crimes in Bauchi State. In 2021, police arrested Musa Hamza, a 22-year-old man who allegedly beheaded a teenager and removed his eyes for ritual purposes in the Alkaleri Local Government Area.
