By Adesakin Adefemi
The Kogi State Police Command has arrested suspects in connection with the murder of a fresh graduate of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University and recovered his stolen tricycle.
The command’s spokesperson, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, disclosed this in a statement issued in the early hours of Wednesday, noting that the arrest followed a “well-coordinated, intelligence-led operation”.
According to her, the incident involved Aminu Abubakar, a resident of the Otokiti area of Lokoja, who had recently graduated and was awaiting mobilisation for the National Youth Service Corps.
Afusat explained that the victim left home on the day of the incident with his tricycle in search of daily income but did not return, prompting concern from his family.
His lifeless body was later discovered around the CBN area in Zone 8, Lokoja. She said operatives of the Homicide Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department launched a detailed investigation, which led to the arrest of two suspects, identified as Garba Godwin Ibrahim and Ashema Usman Samson.
The police spokesperson revealed that the suspects allegedly posed as construction workers and lured the victim to a secluded location where they attacked him. “Investigation revealed that the suspects attacked the victim with a shovel. Autopsy results confirmed that he sustained multiple severe blows to the back of the head, resulting in fatal injuries. The suspects admitted the act was premeditated with the intention of dispossessing him of his tricycle,” she said.
Afusat added that the suspects stole the tricycle and sold it to one Kabiru Idris in Ayingba. She said police operatives tracked and arrested Idris, and a search of his residence led to the recovery of the victim’s tricycle alongside four other motorcycles suspected to be stolen.
The suspect, she said, admitted to dealing in stolen items and receiving them from criminal elements. Further investigation showed that the two principal suspects are ex-convicts previously linked to armed robbery and homicide cases.
Afusat noted that the investigation had been concluded and the suspects had been charged before Magistrate Court 5 in Lokoja, where they were remanded in custody. The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, commended the operatives for their professionalism and urged residents to remain vigilant and support the police with credible information.
The police command’s swift action has brought relief to the victim’s family, who are seeking justice for his untimely death. The incident has also raised concerns about security in the state and the need for increased vigilance.
The Kogi State Police Command’s efforts to combat crime are expected to continue, with the command urging residents to provide information to aid in their efforts to maintain law and order.
