A 17-year-old boy simply identified as Amir has been arrested for allegedly killing his neighbour’s wife.

Resident of Layin Shagon Harun, Shuwarin II, in Borno State capital, Maiduguri, said the incident occurred around 10:45pm on Tuesday.

Spokesman of the Police, Borno State command, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, confirmed the incident, saying the suspect is in police custody, but details were still sketchy.

However, one of the residents, who did not want to be named, said the suspect scaled the neighbours’ fence after the family had retired to bed.

“He hid inside the house and waited for the right time to strike. He used a knife and stabbed her in the chest and neck.

“Later, it was discovered that he escaped with her phone and power bank,” he said.

He said the suspected murderer might have killed the woman to cover the crime.

“People are saying that the boy is a serial killer, and he went in with a knife and stabbed her on the chest and jugular vein on the neck,” he said.

He said it was the husband’s sister that recognised the killer and reported the matter to the police.

“She informed the police that she heard her sister-in-law screaming for help after the boy stabbed her with the knife.

“So, she alerted neighbours when she saw the attacker rushing back to the house. He washed his hands and clothes quickly to avoid being caught red handed,” he said.

He said the suspect was arrested by the Police Crack Squad operatives around 2:30 pm on Wednesday. (Daily Trust)