Najeebat Sule, a doctorate student and former Miss Nigeria pageant finalist, was fatally shot outside of her family home in Philadelphia on the evening of 12th March 2021. While sitting outside of the family home, a gunman approached her that evening and shot her multiple times. Authorities transported her to a local hospital but she later died from her wounds. As of now, law enforcement officials have not announced any arrests being made in relation to the case.
Najeebat was a 24-year-old student graduated from West Chester University, but she returned to get her master's and was working towards her Ph.D. Sule’s family describes her as loving, caring and someone with a thirst for knowledge. "She was quiet when you first met her, but when you got to know her, she bloomed more," said her sister.
Sule had had been at a friend’s house the day before the tragic shooting. As it got late, the friend requested that Najeebat stayed over. The following morning, Najeebat took her car into a shop for repairs and then headed to her parents’ home in Philadelphia’s Holmesburg neighborhood. Sule was sitting in her vehicle when an unidentified man walked up to the vehicle and shot her several times.
Najeebat’s father bolted out of the house as heard the gunfire but couldn’t get hold of the suspect, who was only see running back to his car. Najeebat was rushed to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Miss Nigeria International organization expressed their grief by a post that read, “A bright shining light has been extinguished and life will never be the same. We at Miss Nigeria International are devastated to announce the sudden loss of one of our brightest stars, Queen Najeebat Sule, who transitioned from this earth on Friday March 12th 2021.”
They praised Sule mentioning how “Queen Najibat was an amazing young lady whose presence at the Miss Nigerian beauty pageant left a great ripple that continues to resonate. She was a breath of fresh air and her presence added a distinct touch that made the event memorable. She carried herself with great dignity and grace and her strength of character and approachability made her such a joy to work with. She was extremely friendly and easy going and it was so easy to fall in love with her great personality.”
They added, “Her departure came as a shock and a knife to the heart and has left us all reeling and wondering how such a beautiful young life could be cut short so soon. Our heart and prayers go out to her family and we ask that you all pray for strength for the family. Queen Najeebat you will be missed.”
Nearly four weeks have passed since Sule was brutally shot to death but the police haven’t found any motives and have made no arrests, while the investigation remains open. Our prayers and condolences stand with Sule’s family with a hope for proper prosecution of the suspect and for justice to be served.