The Niger State Police Command has apprehended seven individuals linked to the attack on students of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBUL), Lapai, which led to the school’s closure in June.

Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun confirmed the arrests, identifying the suspects as Idris Hamza (27) and Suleiman Damilare (27) of Maikunkele; Abdulsemiu Bashir (23) of Lapai; Bawa Aliyu (27) of Suleja; Yakubu Musa-Pypa (24) of Maikunkele; Samson Abbah, also known as Small (28), of R/Yanshi; and Solomon Musa-Cabella (28) of Maitumbi.

The incident, which occurred around 3 a.m. on June 23, claimed the life of a 23-year-old student, Abdulwahab Jafar, at his off-campus lodge. The attack sparked student protests that later escalated into a community crisis in Lapai.

According to the police, tactical teams were deployed to restore calm, while subsequent investigations led to the arrest of 19 suspects across Lapai and other parts of the state. The probe was eventually narrowed down to seven individuals accused of criminal conspiracy, robbery, unlawful association, internet fraud, possession of dangerous weapons, and suspected culpable homicide.

Abiodun disclosed that Hamza and Damilare were picked up on June 27 at Fadikpe with cannabis, charms, and a Toyota Corolla vehicle found at a residence belonging to Abdullahi Ahmed, popularly known as “Catch-up.”

The suspects reportedly confessed to being members of the Neo Black Movement of Africa (NBM) and admitted involvement in several cult-related activities within IBBUL. Their statements also led to the arrest of Abdulsemiu Bashir, alleged to belong to a rival cult group, the Vikings.