By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | Katsina Times
A 35-year-old man identified as Aminu has reportedly stabbed his neighbour, Malam Masa’udu, 45, to death following a heated dispute over the use of a clothesline in Ministerial Quarters, near Fatima Shema Estate, Katsina State.
The shocking incident occurred on the evening of Thursday, June 3, 2025. Both men were known in the community for running laundry businesses in the area.
Eyewitnesses told Katsina Times that the altercation began when Malam Masa’udu attempted to hang his washed clothes on a communal clothesline installed by Malam Hassan, another resident. Aminu allegedly denied him access, insisting he had no right to use the line.
“He pleaded to hang his clothes for a short while, but Aminu refused, threw the clothes on the ground and stomped on them,” said Malam Hassan, the owner of the clothesline.
Following the confrontation, Malam Masa’udu reportedly entered a nearby shop to discuss the matter, but a furious Aminu stormed in armed with a knife. Despite efforts to escape, eyewitnesses said Aminu chased and stabbed him repeatedly—reportedly up to seven times.
Security operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) rushed the victim to K-Dara Hospital, but he was pronounced dead on arrival. His body was later transferred to the Katsina General Hospital.
Police officers from the Charanchi Division, in collaboration with operatives from Batagarawa, arrested the suspect, who is currently in custody as investigations continue.
Katsina Times investigation revealed that Aminu and the deceased had a history of unresolved tension. Just last year, Aminu dragged Malam Masa’udu to court, accusing him of defamation and homosexuality. The case was dismissed due to lack of evidence.
Malam Masa’udu, a native of Kaita Local Government Area, was a long-standing resident of the Ministerial Quarters and known for his integrity. He managed rented shops in the area and was in charge of electricity payments and general affairs of the community. Ironically, he had once allocated the very shop Aminu rented before the killing.
The deceased, a respected elder, left behind a wife and six children. His funeral was conducted on Friday, June 4, in accordance with Islamic rites.
Aminu, who remains unmarried, is being held by Katsina State Police Command pending further investigation.
