A police officer allegedly under the influence of alcohol has shot and killed a businessman, Sani Khalid, in the Anguwan-Kaje area of Minna, Niger State.
According to witnesses, the tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Monday while Khalid, who was also a footballer, rested outside his home with a tea seller to escape the area’s intense heat.
A group of police officers reportedly emerged from a nearby beer parlour, and one of them suddenly opened fire, killing Khalid instantly.
A second shot was fired in the direction of the tea seller, but he managed to escape unharmed, witnesses recounted.
“Sani was killed by police officers last night under disturbing circumstances. He was sleeping outside when the police shot him without any provocation or offence,” a resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, told Premium Times.
Another witness provided further details, stating, “After the officer left, people returned to check on Sani, but he was already dead. It was later discovered that the police officers involved were intoxicated. A bullet casing and an empty bottle of Gulder were found at the scene.”
Reacting to the incident, the Niger State Police Command confirmed the shooting.
Spokesperson for the State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, stated that Commissioner of Police Shawulu Dammam had ordered an immediate investigation to identify the officer responsible.
“The police command received the complaint of the alleged shooting this morning. It was reported to have occurred around 3 a.m. on March 10, 2025, in the Anguwan-Kaje area of Maitumbi, Minna.
“The Commissioner of Police has ordered an immediate investigation, and further developments will be made known to the public in due course,” Mr. Abiodun stated.
The killing has sparked outrage among residents, who are demanding justice for Khalid and calling for accountability from the police authorities.
