A witness has given an account of how 25-year-old Sani Khalid, a butcher and footballer with Young Stars Football Club in Chanchaga LGA of Niger State was shot dead by a policeman suspected to be intoxicated.
In a report by Trust TV on Thursday, 13 March 2025, the witness, a tea vendor narrated how the incident happened in the early hours of the morning.
“I was in my shop around 3 a.m. when the police patrol team arrived in their Operation Flush Hilux vehicles. I had set fire to boil water to sell tea to people for Sahur. Sani was sleeping outside,” the witness said.
He explained that a group of children who often begged for food were also present when the police arrived.
“When they got there, they parked on the bridge, and the children started running. Instantly, one of the officers fired a shot at them.
Some of the children abandoned their footwear and belongings and ran. The officers picked up their footwear and put them in their vehicle,” he added.
According to him, Sani had woken up due to the commotion and asked what was happening. “I told him to continue sleeping, and he went back,” the witness said.
However, things quickly escalated. “As we were about to leave, one of the officers said, ‘I will kill you now, and nothing will happen.'”
Moments later, another gunshot rang out, marking the tragic end of Sani’s life.
The incident has sparked public outrage, with many demanding justice for the young footballer.
His family has called on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure the officer responsible is held accountable.
