Drug dealer stabs friend to death during argument in Adamawa

A 20-year-old man, Abdullahi Bawa, has been remanded in prison custody for allegedly stabbing his friend to death during a heated altercation over Diazepam, a controlled medication commonly abused for its sedative effects.

The tragic incident occurred in Ngurore, Yola South Local Government Area of Adamawa State. According to the police, Bawa is a known drug dealer in the area and had a long-standing history of involvement in illicit substances.

He was arraigned on Monday before Chief Magistrate Court II in Yola, presided over by A. M. Adamu. Following his arraignment, the court ordered his remand in prison pending the conclusion of ongoing investigations.

Police prosecutor, Inspector Nanugi Tayeri, told the court that the incident occurred on April 25, 2025.

Bawa is accused of fatally stabbing his friend, Baba Ali, in the chest with a pair of scissors. A bystander, a woman identified as Hasim, also sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment at a local medical facility.

The First Information Report (FIR) presented to the court states that Bawa is a habitual offender.

He now faces charges of culpable homicide and causing grievous hurt, in violation of Sections 218 and 191 of the Adamawa State Penal Code.

The court has adjourned the case pending further investigation.

The gruesome killing in Yola is not an isolated incident, but rather a symptom of a deeper crisis — the growing influence of narcotics and the violence that often follows.

Communities across Nigeria, particularly among youths, are grappling with the surge of controlled substances like Diazepam, Tramadol, and codeine-based syrups.

These drugs, often easily accessible through black markets, are linked to an alarming increase in crimes, mental health issues, and premature deaths.

Security experts and community leaders are calling for urgent action. “If we don’t tackle this now, we risk losing an entire generation to addiction and violence,” said a local health advocate.

Stakeholders are urging government agencies, security forces, and civil society to collaborate on a multi-pronged approach: intensify crackdowns on drug traffickers and street-level dealers; launch national drug education campaigns targeting schools and urban centers; expand access to addiction treatment and mental health support.

The violence in Yola is a grim reminder of what’s at stake. It is not enough to prosecute after the fact — Nigeria must act now to prevent the next tragedy.