KOGI AUTHORITIES PROMISE JUSTICE AFTER FRESH GRADUATE MURDERED

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By: Fasasi Hammad

The Kogi State Police Command has launched an investigation into the killing of Aminu Lawal, a recent University of Maiduguri graduate, who was murdered in Lokoja two weeks ago.

The probe follows growing concerns from family, friends, and neighbours that an arrested suspect could be released due to alleged external pressure on investigators.

ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, spokesperson for the Kogi State Police Command, told journalists in Lokoja that a thorough investigation is underway and that the findings would be made public soon.

“It is not true that the police are under pressure to release the suspect. Investigations are ongoing, and we will pursue the case to a logical conclusion,” Oyiza said.

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Lawal, who had recently graduated and was awaiting his National Youth Service Corps call-up, was reported missing on March 18 after leaving his home in Otokiti Estate to work with his luggage tricycle, commonly called a Keke NAPEP. His family raised the alarm when he failed to return.

The following day, his charred body was discovered along an isolated bush path opposite the Central Bank in Zone 8, Lokoja. Sources said his head appeared to have been struck with a heavy object and that a major vein on the left side of his neck had been severed. His tricycle is still missing.

The gruesome discovery shocked the family and community. Lawal was buried according to Islamic rites.

An independent community investigation implicated a local acquaintance, Garuba, who was among the last to see the victim alive. Garuba was arrested on March 25 by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps before the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID).

An anonymous source expressed concern over potential interference, stressing the need for a proper investigation. “Aminu worked hard to earn his degree in Maiduguri despite the challenges there. The least we can do is ensure justice for him,” the source said.

Authorities have vowed to carry out a thorough and timely investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.