Zamfara Hisbah Arrests Woman Accused of Practising Witchcraft

The Zamfara State Hisbah Commission has arrested a woman identified as Khadija Abdullah over alleged witchcraft-related activities in the Gadar Baga area of Gusau, the state capital.

According to reports, Khadija was arrested at her residence on July 15 following several complaints from members of the community.

The Director of Operations of the commission, Lawal Abubakar Maradun, said the suspect allegedly admitted during interrogation that she used certain perfumes and claimed to be possessed by spirits.

He further alleged that Khadija told investigators she usually recited prayers into water before giving it to people as a form of treatment.

The commission also disclosed that another woman, Asiya Lawal, was found at the residence during the operation.

According to the statement, Asiya told officials that she had visited the house to seek treatment for what she described as a spiritual ailment.

A resident of the area, quoted by the commission, alleged that the house had become a regular destination for people seeking traditional or spiritual remedies during both the day and night.

The Chairman of the Zamfara State Hisbah Commission, Sheikh Umar Hassan Gusau, has directed that investigations be intensified to determine the authenticity of the allegations and ensure that appropriate action is taken in accordance with the law.

The commission, however, did not state whether any formal charges have been filed against the suspect, noting that investigations are still ongoing.