Kaduna Authorities Outraged as Police Arrest Siblings for Burying Teenager Alive Over Missing Phone

Police have arrested two brothers for burying a 16-year-old boy alive in Zaria over a missing phone.

The incident, which took place in the Gauraki community of Kufaina Ward, Zaria, drew swift action from authorities after a video of the crime went viral on social media. The victim, Abubakar, was accused of stealing a mobile phone by his cousins, leading to the brutal act.

Hajiya Rabi Salisu, the State Commissioner of Human Services and Social Development, expressed her shock and condemnation of the incident. “I’ve never seen someone buried alive apart from what we see in films. This boy, Abubakar, a 16-year-old, was buried by his brothers because of a missing phone,” she said.

According to the Commissioner, the brothers dug a hole, tied Abubakar’s hands, and sealed his mouth before burying him with only his head exposed, covered with rags, in an abandoned property near a farm. A good Samaritan, hearing the boy’s coughs, alerted others, leading to his rescue.

The suspects, Yahaya Abdulkadir (20) and Abdul Abdulkadir (17), were promptly arrested. Commissioner Salisu assured that they would face justice. “The government would not take it lightly, in the protection of children’s rights and others whose rights are violated in Kaduna State,” she emphasized.

The Social Officer from Zaria has been dispatched to the community to provide support, and the Ministry has vowed to ensure justice is served. Meanwhile, Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the suspects are in custody, with investigations underway. “The culprits have since confessed to their crime and will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation,” he stated.

The Kaduna State Government has condemned the act in the strongest terms and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of all citizens, especially children.