Kogi Killing: Family, Friends Demand Justice For Slain Graduate

Family members, friends and neighbours of Aminu Lawal, a young graduate recently murdered in Lokoja, Kogi State have demanded justice, raising concerns that an arrested suspect may have been released due to alleged pressure on security agencies.

Aminu, who reportedly graduated from the University of Maiduguri and was awaiting mobilisation for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), was declared missing on Wednesday, March 18, after he left his residence in Otokiti Estate to operate his commercial tricycle, popularly known as Keke NAPEP, but failed to return home.

Alarmed by his sudden disappearance, his family initiated a frantic search for his whereabouts.

Their worst fears were confirmed the following day when his lifeless body was discovered.

The charred remains were found on a deserted bush path opposite the Central Bank of Nigeria, Zone 8 area of Lokoja.

Reports indicate that the assailant had smashed his head with a heavy object and inflicted a deep cut on the left side of his neck. His tricycle was, however, missing from the scene.

The gruesome incident threw the family and the entire neighbourhood into deep mourning. His remains were later recovered and buried in accordance with Islamic rites.

The case took a new twist following independent investigations by members of the community, which allegedly linked a suspect, identified simply as Garuba, an acquaintance of the deceased and a fellow resident of Otokiti Estate, to the crime.

He was reportedly one of the last persons to have contacted Aminu before his disappearance.

Subsequent investigations led to Garuba’s arrest on Wednesday, March 25, by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

He was initially detained at their office before the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further inquiry.

However, sources close to the matter have alleged that pressure is being mounted from certain quarters to secure the suspect’s release, prompting public outcry.

“We are appealing that this case must not be swept under the carpet,” a source said. “Aminu struggled through school in Maiduguri despite security challenges, only to be killed at home. Justice must be served. We demand a thorough and timely investigation to bring all those responsible to book.”

Responding to the concerns, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, assured that the matter is receiving due attention.

“We are still investigating the case, including the missing tricycle. We will ensure the investigation is carried through to a logical conclusion,” she said, adding that details would be made public as soon as they are available.