Vigilante Members Hammer Nail Into 20-Year-Old Man's Head Over Alleged Chicken Theft in Zaria
A shocking case of vigilante brutality has emerged from Zaria, Kaduna State, where a 20-year-old man, Aliyu Nuhu, sustained a severe head injury after vigilante members allegedly hammered a five-inch nail into his skull. The incident occurred over claims that he stole a chicken, highlighting concerns about extrajudicial punishment in local communities.
Father's Account of the Horrific Incident
The victim's father, Mallam Salisu Nuhu, popularly known as Babande, confirmed the distressing event to Daily Trust. He accused two vigilante members in the area of inflicting the injuries on his son. According to Babande, he had asked Aliyu to sell a chicken at the market, but the young man was arrested by vigilantes who suspected him of theft.
"They detained him and interrogated him with severe punishment, to the extent of nailing a five-inch nail into his head," Babande stated, describing the brutal interrogation methods used.
Sequence of Events and Medical Ordeal
When Aliyu failed to return home, a vigilante member directed Babande to their office at Anguwar Sirdi in Limancin Kona Ward. There, he was informed that his son had been arrested for theft. The vigilantes initially demanded N5,000 as bail but later allowed Babande to take Aliyu home when he claimed he had no money.
It was only after returning home that Babande noticed the injuries on his son's head and learned that a nail had been driven into it. The family returned to the vigilante office and proceeded to a nearby chemist with one of the suspects, identified as Nuhu. The chemist assessed the injury and referred them to the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) in Shika.
However, medical treatment was delayed as they were required to obtain a police report first. The nail remained embedded in Aliyu's head for 13 days before it was surgically removed. The family incurred over N800,000 in medical bills during this harrowing period.
Victim's Testimony and Police Response
The victim, Aliyu Nuhu, identified Nuhu Dan Banga as the person who hammered the nail into his head during the interrogation. He recounted losing consciousness during the torture, underscoring the severity of the assault.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Zaria City Division, Nura Abubakar, confirmed the incident, stating that one suspect had been arrested while another remained at large. He assured the public that the suspects would be prosecuted once investigations were concluded, emphasizing the need for accountability in such cases.
This incident raises serious questions about vigilante conduct and the protection of citizens' rights in Nigeria, particularly in local communities where such groups operate.
