The Police Command division in Plateau State has apprehended Nanpon Timnan, a second-year student of Agriculture at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), for the alleged homicide of his best friend, Peter Mafuyai, a third-year student in the Department of Banking and Finance at the same institution.
According to eyewitness accounts, reported to Gradual Television, the homicide took place on Saturday, October 25, at Nanpon Timnan, the alleged suspect's off-campus residence located in the Laranto area of Jos state. The two friends were known to be close friends, bonded by a shared passion for music, and had returned from a recording session before the alleged crime.
The two friends had earlier played a football game before returning home and subsequently proceeding to a music studio for a recording session. Upon their return from the studio, the suspect allegedly retrieved a machete. Other inhabitants of the residence, who were also acquaintances of both parties, inquired about the intent behind this action. Mr. Timnan reportedly replied that he required it for a particular purpose.
Subsequently, he attacked his friend with the machete. Witnesses reported a chorus of confusion and outrage, questioning what had prompted such an act; however, the suspect did not provide a response. Friends in the vicinity quickly sought assistance, but by the time help arrived, the suspect had already interred the body in a shallow grave behind the house.
The police have since summoned all witnesses for questioning and are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident. While the motive for the alleged murder remains unclear, a police source has indicated that preliminary investigations suggest a potential disagreement between the two friends regarding a collaborative music project.
According to police reports, operatives from the Plateau State Command, specifically from the Laranto Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, executed the arrest following a distress call received at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Saturday. The suspect is currently in custody as investigations continue to determine the motive behind this tragic event. The remains of the victim have been exhumed and transferred to the Bingham University Teaching Hospital morgue for autopsy.
When approached for comment, the Acting Head of Information at the university, Tongdyen Dachung, refrained from providing details but indicated a commitment to offer an official statement once confirmed. The President of the Student Union Government (SUG), Jane Pwajok, noted that the police are managing the case and assured that the union is working to ascertain the comprehensive details of the incident. Efforts to reach the Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Alfred Alabo, for further information were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to telephone calls or text messages.