Family associates described suspects as peaceful, calling for fair investigation and justice

Families and business partners of individuals recently arrested in connection with the Anguwan Rukuba killings in Plateau State Nigeria have expressed deep shock over the development, describing the suspects as men of good character and integrity.

CBI News spoke with family members of the suspects about how the arrests took place. Ummi-Salma Haruna, wife of Musa, and Aisha Aliyu, wife of Auwal, recounted how security personnel stormed their homes, describing the incidents as traumatic. One of the incidents reportedly led to a miscarriage.

“On Friday around 09:30, someone started hitting our door. A few minutes later, they broke it down and entered. One of them held my neck and dragged me from the bedroom. My husband is a good man, and I am pregnant.”

“We were sitting in our room when we suddenly saw people with guns. My husband was in the bedroom when they entered. They pointed a gun at my two-year-old boy, and since then, he has not been feeling well. The first time I saw them, I was so shocked that I had a miscarriage.”

According to the partners, their relationships with the accused span several years across various business ventures, involving both Muslim and Christian associates who have coexisted peacefully and maintained strong professional ties.

Christopher Mangut and Rahuta Davou, business partners of Auwal and Musa, described the suspects as individuals who often protected members of the Christian community.

“We are together every day. If there is any problem, they are the ones protecting us. I was surprised to hear that they were arrested. When the Anguwan Rukuba incident happened, they were the ones who took us to safety near security personnel.”

CBI News also spoke with market officials. Buhari Muhammad, Assistant Secretary of the Cabbage Market, stated that only justice can determine their innocence, while Isa Abdullahi, Chairman of the Cabbage Market, described the suspects as very hardworking, noting that they even managed his responsibilities in his absence.

The partners emphasized that their businesses have long been built on trust, mutual respect, and interfaith cooperation, and that the suspects consistently upheld these values in both their professional and personal lives.

While acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations, the partners called on the government and relevant authorities to conduct a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation.

“We are calling on the government to look into this issue and do the needful, as it has the power to make the right decisions.”

“I am waiting for justice because my husband is innocent. I would not have married him if he had bad character.”

They urged authorities to avoid premature judgments and to uphold the rule of law, emphasizing that fairness and accountability are essential to maintaining public trust and unity within the community.