The Kogi State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against violent crime following the arrest of suspects linked to the killing of a young graduate and the recovery of stolen property connected to the incident.
The development, which has drawn significant attention across the state, was confirmed in an official statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, on April 7, 2026.
She explained that the operation was carried out through sustained intelligence gathering and coordinated tactical response by detectives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
According to the Command, the case began when a distress report was received regarding the disappearance of Aminu Abubakar, a recent graduate of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, who resided with his family in the Otokiti area of Lokoja.
The young man, who was awaiting mobilisation for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), had left home on the day of the incident riding his tricycle in search of daily earnings but never returned.
Concern grew within his family after several hours passed without any communication, prompting a search effort.
Sadly, his lifeless body was later discovered in the Zone 8 axis near the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) area in Lokoja, an incident that triggered immediate police intervention.
Following the discovery, detectives from the Homicide Unit of the SCID in Kogi swiftly launched a discreet and well-structured investigation.
The team combined intelligence operations with field surveillance to uncover those responsible for the crime.
Their efforts eventually led to the arrest of two principal suspects identified as Garba Godwin Ibrahim and Ashema Usman Samson.
Further revelations from investigators showed that the suspects allegedly disguised themselves as construction workers to avoid suspicion.
They reportedly approached the victim under false pretences and lured him to a secluded location where the attack took place.
It was gathered that the victim was struck repeatedly with a shovel before his tricycle was taken away.
The police further disclosed that the assault was premeditated, suggesting that the suspects intentionally targeted the victim in order to dispossess him of his means of livelihood.
Medical findings later confirmed that the victim suffered severe skull fractures caused by multiple blunt force impacts, leading to fatal internal injuries.
In a wider development linked to the case in Kogi, investigators traced the stolen tricycle to one Kabiru Idris in Ayingba.
Acting on this intelligence, police operatives extended their operation and successfully arrested him.
A search of his residence led to the recovery of the stolen tricycle belonging to the deceased, alongside four additional motorcycles suspected to have been stolen from other victims.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly admitted to receiving stolen goods from the two main suspects and confirmed his involvement in dealing with criminal elements engaged in armed robbery activities.
This discovery further exposed a wider network of theft and illicit transactions operating across parts of Kogi.
Investigators also established that the principal suspects were not new to crime.
Records showed that both individuals were ex-convicts who had previously been convicted for armed robbery and culpable homicide.
They were allegedly linked to multiple violent incidents resulting in the deaths of more than sixteen persons, making them high-risk repeat offenders.
The police emphasized that the crime was not accidental but carefully planned.
According to findings, the suspects deliberately lured the victim to an isolated area under the guise of construction work before launching the fatal attack.
The operation was described as both deceptive and calculated, aimed at stealing his tricycle for resale.
The Command further confirmed that the case in Kogi had been thoroughly investigated and concluded.
All suspects involved have since been charged before Magistrate Court 5 in Lokoja and remanded in custody as legal proceedings continue.
Authorities in Kogi reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order, assuring residents that criminal elements will not be allowed to operate freely within the state.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, commended the professionalism of the officers involved in the operation, describing their efforts as decisive and effective.
He further urged residents across Kogi to remain vigilant and support security agencies by providing timely and credible information that can assist in preventing and solving crimes.
The Command also stressed that continued cooperation between the public and law enforcement remains essential in curbing violent crime and dismantling criminal networks operating within and beyond Kogi State.
About The Author
