No suspects yet in bizman’s death – police

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Nothing is definite yet on the suspects and motive for the death of businessman Hamza Zubair Kayani who was killed by motorcycle-riding suspects.

Captain Shella Mae Sangrines, Iloilo City Police Station 1 (ICPS1) chief, said that there could be several individuals who might have wanted Kayani dead.

“For now, we haven’t gathered tangible evidence or direct statements that could attribute to any person.”

On September 8, it was gathered that the 31-year-old victim had booked an information at the Iloilo City Police Station 4 (ICPS4).

Kayani alleged that if something happens to him, police could only point their fingers to his relatives, particularly his aunt.

But Sangrines said they could not take in the statement hook, line, and sinker.

On top of that, the Dueñas Police Station has confirmed that there were also blotter reports booked at their office involving Kayani.

His aunt, Barangay Captain Gladys Pechon of Cabudian, Dueñas, accused the victim of threats and trespass to dwelling.

Kayani had also accused his aunt of either kidnapping or illegal detention.

It was learned that his aunt took care of his child when he was incarcerated.

But when he came out of jail, he allegedly wanted to take the child, which his aunt initially opposed. But she later gave in.

“We heard that it was his aunts who supported him while he was having some legal woes,” Sangrines said.

The ICPS1 commander said there was an instance when police officers had to escort Kayani’s aunt in going home.

“The woman was already old. She was trembling of fear when she went to our office to file a complaint against Kayani,” Sangrines said.

Despite the slim probability of his aunts wanting him dead, Sangrines said they’re entertaining all possible angles.

“He’s been publicly accusing his relatives of wanting to kill him. For all we know, there might be individuals who rode on their family rift,” she said.

Kayani was killed in a drive-by shooting by two motorcycle-riding suspects evening of October 9, 2021 in Fort San Pedro, City Proper, Iloilo City.

Sangrines said the suspects appeared to have stabbed Kayani on the back also.

Investigation showed that Kayani was with his 13-year-old “partner” Casey (not her real name) and a 15-year-old male chaperone when the incident happened.

Kayani had been the subject of several complaints, police operations, and sensational cases in Iloilo City before his death.