Retired Supreme Court Justice, Hon. Justice Mohammed Musa Dattijo, has called upon the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the puzzling circumstances surrounding the death of his eldest son, Aliyu Musa Dattijo, aged 44. The tragic incident occurred on August 20, 2024, between 8:30 pm and 9:30 pm, at the Sani Abacha Express Way, by Wuse under bridge Utako, Abuja.

According to the preliminary police report, Aliyu was the victim of a hit-and-run fatal motor/pedestrian accident. However, the family has raised concerns about the nature of his injuries and the circumstances leading up to his death.

On the evening of the incident, Aliyu had informed his wife that he was meeting an unidentified person for business purposes. At approximately 8:20 pm, he called his wife to confirm that she had returned home and mentioned that he would be heading back soon. However, when his wife tried to reach him around 10 pm, his phone was unreachable.

Later that night, Aliyu’s wife received a call from an Investigating Police Officer (IPO) requesting her presence at the Utako police station. Upon arrival, she was informed of her husband’s death and the alleged hit-and-run accident.

Family members who viewed Aliyu’s body at the central mosque noticed multiple gashes, stab wounds on his hands, a stab wound on his stomach, crushed legs, and a cracked skull. These injuries raised doubts about the initial hit-and-run conclusion.

Investigations revealed that Aliyu’s car, a Peugeot 406, was found neatly parked under the Wuse Market pedestrian bridge, with the doors wide open and no signs of disturbance or forceful entry. The police confirmed that the assault took place outside the vehicle.

In a concerning development, about a week after Aliyu’s passing, his wife’s sister reported being trailed while driving his Hilux vehicle. The family now fears for their safety and suspects that there may be more to this incident than initially thought.
Justice Dattijo has formally requested the intervention of the DSS to aid in the investigation and uncover the truth behind his son’s untimely demise. The family seeks answers and justice for Aliyu Musa Dattijo, a graduate of Estate Management from the Federal University of Technology, Minna.