A 20-year-old man survives after vigilantes allegedly hammer a nail into his head over a chicken theft claim in Zaria, Kaduna State
A 20-year-old man, Aliyu Nuhu, sustained a severe head injury after vigilante members allegedly hammered a five-inch nail into his skull over theft accusations in Zaria, Kaduna State.
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The incident occurred while the victim was reportedly selling a chicken at a local market, according to his father, Mallam Salisu Nuhu.
Speaking to Daily Trust, the father, popularly known as Babande, said his son was detained by vigilante members who suspected him of stealing a chicken he had been asked to sell.
He alleged that the vigilantes interrogated Aliyu with extreme brutality, driving a nail into his head during the ordeal.
“When my son did not return home, I went to the vigilante office at Anguwar Sirdi, Limancin Kona Ward. They initially demanded N5,000 as bail but later allowed us to take him home,” Babande said.
He added that the injuries were only fully noticed after returning home, prompting a visit back to the vigilante office and then to a chemist, who referred the family to Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Shika.
The nail remained embedded in Aliyu’s head for 13 days before it was surgically removed. The family reportedly spent over N800,000 on medical care.
Aliyu identified Nuhu Dan Banga as the person who inflicted the injury, and stated he lost consciousness during the assault.
Confirming the case, Zaria City Division Divisional Police Officer Nura Abubakar said one suspect had been arrested, while another remained at large.
The DPO assured that both would face prosecution once investigations are concluded.
The case has sparked concerns over vigilante justice in the region, raising questions about the safety of residents and the oversight of informal security groups.
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Authorities have urged communities to report abuses and stressed that such acts would not be tolerated under the law.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
