Man, 50, murdered and burned in Nasarawa dry well

A 50-year-old man named Jude Thaddeus has allegedly been killed. His body was found dumped in a dry well and set on fire at his house in Aku Village, Base 5, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

The victim was commonly known as Musa. Reports say he was killed inside his home before his body was put in the well.

The police shared this information in a statement on Friday. Ramhan Nansel, the Police Public Relations Officer for Nasarawa Command, said two suspects were arrested. A third suspect is still missing.

This case came to light on November 3, 2026. A 46-year-old woman named Jennifer Alain from Mpape, Abuja, reported the incident at the Aso Pada Police Division.

During questioning, one suspect, 23-year-old Yusuf Musa, allegedly confessed to the murder. He also said that the victim's body was thrown into a dry well at his home.

"During interrogation, Yusuf Musa allegedly confessed to his involvement in the killing of Jude Thaddeus and disclosed that the victim’s body had been dumped in a dry well within his residence," the statement noted.

The police said early findings suggest that the victim was killed inside his house before his body was moved to the well and burned.

"Preliminary findings indicated that the victim was allegedly killed inside his residence, after which his body was dumped in the well and set ablaze," the statement continued.

The suspects reportedly tried to hide the crime by covering the well with blocks.

"The suspects reportedly used several blocks to seal and conceal the well in an apparent attempt to cover up the crime and evade detection," the police added.

After receiving information from the suspect, detectives worked with environmental services staff. They visited the scene and found the decomposed remains of the victim.

"Acting on the information provided, a team of detectives, in collaboration with environmental services personnel, visited the scene, where the decomposed remains of the victim were successfully exhumed from the dry well," the statement said.

The remains were later taken to the Medical Centre in Mararaba. A doctor examined the body and confirmed that the victim was dead.

The police named the arrested suspects as 23-year-old Yusuf Musa and 32-year-old Victor Zamani.

The statement also revealed that Yusuf Musa allegedly sold some of the deceased’s heavy metals and industrial engines for ₦3.4 million.

Investigations showed that a third suspect is still on the run.

"Efforts have been intensified to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspect and bring all persons connected with the crime to justice," the police stated.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohamed, has ordered that the case be moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Lafia for thorough investigation and prosecution.

The command assured the public that investigations are ongoing, and all involved in the crime will face justice.