The Adamawa State police command has arrested three suspects over the alleged killing of a tea seller, Muhammad Idris, at Banga, Nassarawo Borehole, Jimeta, area of the state.

In a statement on Thursday, the command’s spokesman, Suleiman Nguroye, said the victim was fatally assaulted on Monday.

Mr Nguroje said the suspects were arrested following sustained collaboration and intelligence-led investigation.

They were identified as Isah Yakubu, aka Sangalo, 20, of Nassarawo, Jimeta; Japhet Hassan, aka Slow, 24, of Banga, Nassarawo; and Eric Alfred, aka Mamaji, 19, of Nassarawo, Jimeta.

According to him, preliminary investigation showed that the incident stemmed from an earlier altercation after Mr Yakubu allegedly took a cigarette from a shop without paying.

“The deceased, who was at the scene to buy seasoning, got involved in the argument.

“Angered by the incident, Isah Yakubu on the following day invited the other two suspects who trailed the victim to his workplace and subjected him to severe beating, leaving him unconscious,” Mr Nguroje said.

He said the victim was rushed to a hospital, where a medical doctor later confirmed him dead.

Mr Nguroje added that the suspects fled to Taraba state but were subsequently tracked and arrested by the police.

He said further developments would be communicated as the investigation progresses.

The Peoples Gazette reported on Wednesday that Mr Idris was beaten to death by the suspects, prompting the police to launch a manhunt for them.