Police in Nigeria’s Jigawa State have detained a 29-year-old hotel barber, Emmanuel Olatonok, over allegations that he fatally stabbed Ibrahim Shago, 32, after a dispute in Dutse.
What happened
- The confrontation occurred at about 5:45 p.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2026, in the Rafin Sanyi district of Dutse Local Government Area.
- Olatonok, who works as a barber at a hotel in Rafin Sanyi, allegedly used a knife to stab Shago in the neck following an argument.
- Police said the suspect was allegedly intoxicated at the time of the incident.
- Shago was taken urgently to hospital for treatment but was later declared dead by a doctor.
- The death triggered unrest in the area, with a group of angry youths gathering and attempting to damage the hotel.
- Officers from the Dutse Division intervened promptly, restoring order and preventing further violence and property damage.
Investigation and public warning
Jigawa State Police Command said Olatonok remains in custody while investigators establish the full circumstances of the killing. He is expected to be brought before a court once the investigation has been completed.
Commissioner of Police Tijjani Murtala condemned the use of violence to settle disagreements and called on residents to remain calm and obey the law.
He warned the public against retaliatory action or other forms of self-help, urging people with complaints to take them to the relevant authorities rather than resorting to violence.
