The Kogi State Police Command is currently investigating the killing of Aminu Lawal, a fresh graduate from the University of Maiduguri who was awaiting mobilisation for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
According to family members, Aminu was allegedly murdered in Lokoja two weeks ago. They have demanded justice amid fears that a suspect arrested in connection with the case could be released due to pressure from influential persons.
Aminu was declared missing on Wednesday, March 18.
A source disclosed that he had left his family home in Otokiti Estate that morning to work with his commercial tricycle, popularly known as Keke NAPEP, but failed to return.
Alarmed by his disappearance, his family and neighbours began a frantic search. Their fears were confirmed the following day when his charred remains were discovered along a secluded bush path opposite the Central Bank area in Zone 8, Lokoja.
Sources said the assailant had smashed his head with a heavy object before cutting a vein on the left side of his neck. His tricycle was also missing.
The killing threw his family and the neighbourhood into mourning. His remains were later buried in accordance with Islamic rites.
The case took a new turn after an independent community-led investigation allegedly linked a man identified simply as Garuba, said to be an acquaintance of the deceased and a resident of the same Otokiti Estate, to the incident.
Garuba was reportedly one of the last people to speak with Aminu before his disappearance.
Following further investigations, operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) arrested the suspect at his residence on Wednesday, March 25.
He was initially detained at the NSCDC office before the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
A source familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that efforts were being made in some quarters to secure the suspect’s release.
“We are appealing that this case should not be swept under the carpet,” the source said.
“Aminu struggled through school and successfully trained himself in Maiduguri despite the security challenges there. He returned home after completing his studies, only to be murdered.
“The least we can do is ensure that those responsible are identified and brought to justice. We are demanding a thorough and timely investigation.”
Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer in Kogi State, ASP Hafzatt Oyiza Salihu, confirmed that investigations are ongoing. She said the police were also working to trace the missing tricycle.
“We are still investigating the case, including the whereabouts of the Keke NAPEP,” she said.
“We will pursue the investigation to a logical conclusion, and details will be made public when appropriate.”
