Boyfriend Scales Fence, Attacks Businesswoman with Hammer, Attempts to Strangle Her Over Money in Gombe

Boyfriend Scales Fence, Attacks Businesswoman with Hammer, Attempts to Strangle Her Over Money in Gombe

June 10, 2026

A shocking case of alleged attempted murder and robbery has rocked Gombe State after police arrested a 35-year-old man accused of brutally attacking his girlfriend with a hammer, attempting to strangle her, and stealing ₦100,000 from her residence.

The suspect, identified as Musa Adamu, a resident of Riyal Quarters in Gombe metropolis, was apprehended by operatives of the Gombe State Police Command following a swift investigation into the violent incident that occurred in the early hours of Monday, June 9, 2026.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, the victim reported the matter at the Pantami Divisional Police Headquarters shortly after surviving the terrifying attack.

Preliminary findings revealed that at about 2:00 a.m., the suspect allegedly scaled the fence surrounding the victim's residence before forcefully gaining entry into her room.

Once inside, Musa Adamu reportedly launched a vicious attack on the woman, striking her with an iron hammer and attempting to strangle her using a USB cable in what investigators suspect was a deliberate attempt to end her life.

The horrifying assault reportedly left the victim with serious injuries as she struggled to defend herself against the attack.

Police said the suspect subsequently made away with the sum of ₦100,000 belonging to the victim before fleeing the scene when she raised an alarm that attracted attention.

"The suspect allegedly attacked her with an iron hammer and attempted to strangle her using a USB cable before robbing her of the sum of One Hundred Thousand Naira. Upon raising an alarm, the suspect fled the scene," Abdullahi stated.

Following the distress report, police operatives immediately visited the crime scene while the injured woman was rushed to a hospital for urgent medical treatment.

Authorities confirmed that she received medical attention and was later discharged after doctors stabilized her condition.

Determined to bring the suspect to justice, investigators launched a rapid manhunt that led to his arrest just hours after the incident.

According to the police spokesperson, the suspect was tracked down and arrested at approximately 9:45 a.m. on the same day.

During the operation, officers recovered critical pieces of evidence, including an iron hammer suspected to be stained with blood and a USB cable believed to have been used in the attempted strangulation.

Further investigations uncovered what police believe may have been the motive behind the violent attack.

Investigators revealed that prior to the incident, the suspect had allegedly approached the victim, a businesswoman, requesting financial assistance.

However, the woman reportedly declined the request, a development detectives suspect may have triggered the attack.

"Preliminary investigation further revealed that, prior to the incident, the suspect, being the victim's boyfriend, had requested money from her on the same day, knowing that she is a businesswoman, but she declined," Abdullahi explained.

The suspect remains in police custody as detectives continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Police authorities disclosed that he will be charged to court once investigations are concluded.

The Gombe State Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state and urged residents to remain vigilant by promptly reporting suspicious persons, threats, and criminal activities to the nearest police station.

The incident has sparked concern among residents, with many describing the alleged attack as another disturbing example of domestic violence and relationship-related crimes that continue to threaten the safety of women across the country.

Security experts and advocates have repeatedly called for greater awareness, early reporting of abusive behaviour, and stronger interventions to prevent violent attacks within intimate relationships before they escalate into tragedies.