Man arrested for alleged ritual attempt at Katsina hospital

The Katsina State Police Command has detained a 50‑year‑old man named Sagir Muntari on allegations of a ritual‑related offense at the General Hospital in Funtua, Katsina State.

DSP Abubakar Sadiq, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, announced the arrest in a statement released to journalists on Saturday in Katsina.

According to the statement, the suspect was taken into custody after a report of suspicious activity inside the hospital.

It said that on May 9, 2026, at approximately 4:20 p.m., a staff member observed an unidentified individual moving suspiciously within the facility and notified security personnel.

Detectives were dispatched to the scene, where they arrested the suspect and identified him as Sagir Muntari.

The statement added that during interrogation, the suspect allegedly admitted to entering the hospital with the aim of obtaining a newborn baby’s womb for use in spiritual and criminal practices.

Investigations into the matter are continuing, after which the suspect will be charged in court.

The police command cautioned against all forms of criminal and ritual‑related activities, reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and public institutions.