By: Abdullahi Inuwa
A tragic incident unfolded on Thursday evening, June 3, 2025, in the Ministerial Quarters near Fatima Shema Estate, Katsina, where a dispute over the use of a clothesline led to the fatal stabbing of a 45-year-old man, identified as Malam Masa’udu.
The altercation involved two neighbours—Masa’udu and a 35-year-old man, Aminu—both of whom operated laundry businesses in the area. According to eyewitnesses, the conflict erupted when Masa’udu attempted to use a shared clothesline reportedly set up by another resident, Malam Hassan. Aminu, however, objected and allegedly denied him access, claiming he had no right to hang clothes there.
“He asked to use the line briefly, but Aminu became aggressive, tossed his clothes to the ground, and even stepped on them,” said Hassan, who installed the line.
The situation escalated after Masa’udu walked into a nearby shop, seemingly to cool off. But Aminu, still enraged, reportedly followed him with a knife in hand. Witnesses said the assailant pursued him and stabbed him multiple times—reportedly as many as seven—despite the victim’s attempts to flee.
Operatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) quickly arrived at the scene and rushed the injured Masa’udu to K-Dara Hospital. Tragically, he was pronounced dead upon arrival. His remains were later taken to Katsina General Hospital.
Law enforcement officers from the Charanchi Police Division, supported by counterparts from Batagarawa, swiftly arrested Aminu. He is currently in police custody as investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Sources familiar with the matter revealed that the two men had a history of tension. In 2024, Aminu had taken Masa’udu to court over allegations of defamation and homosexuality—a case that was eventually thrown out for lack of evidence.
Masa’udu, originally from Kaita Local Government Area, had lived in the Ministerial Quarters for several years. Regarded as an honest and responsible community member, he was responsible for managing utility payments and other communal affairs. Ironically, he was also the one who previously allocated the shop Aminu operated from.
Masa’udu leaves behind a grieving family, including his wife and six children. He was buried the following day, Friday, June 4, in line with Islamic funeral traditions.
Aminu, who remains single, is being held by the Katsina State Police Command, and could face homicide charges as investigations progress.
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