Police Move To Arrest Ex-LG Chair Over Alleged Murder Of Lawmaker

The Taraba State Police Command said its on the trail of a former chairman of Takum local government council, Hon Shiban Tikari, over the alleged murder of late Hon. Hosea Ibi, former member representing Takum I in the state Assembly.

Ibi, who was kidnapped on December 30, 2017 was found dead at the old site of SCC (Kwari) along Takum Kashimbila Road in Takum local government area of the state.

The body of the lawmaker was found 16 days after he was kidnapped by unknown gunmen from his house located opposite Ada Barracks in Takum area of the state.

Those involved in the killing of the former lawmaker were arrested and prosecuted at the Taraba High Court presided by Justice Joel Agya where the convicts, during cross examination, confessed that they were contracted by Tikari to abduct the victim.

The Commissioner of Police, Taraba State Command, CP David Iloyonomon while briefing journalists at the police headquarters in Jalingo on Thursday, said the police were all out to ensure the arrest of the former LGA boss over his alleged complicity in the murder of the late lawmaker.

“We initially didn’t want to make much noise over our plans to get Hon Tikari arrested because we know that such persons can escape.

“We are looking for him, we recently gathered that he has left the state, we have been trailing to arrest him for possible prosecution, anywhere he is, we must get him arrested, it’s just a matter of time,” he said.

Iloyonomon also said the police have recorded tremendous arrest of criminals and intercept weapons in their bid to restore peace in the state.

“In summary, we have 28 suspects arrested, recovered 27 AK-47 rifles, 2 locally made pistol, 1 Berretta, 30 5.5mm live ammunitions, 128 7.62mm ammunitions, 1 Honda Motorcycle, 2 live Cartridges, 3 knives, 1 cutlass, 1 axe, 1 plier, 1 Itel handset, 1 plate number, 1 Tricycle .

“Other items recovered were eight hundred and fifty thousand naira cash, 102 cows, one Lar rifle, two SMG rifle, one fabricated AK-47 rifle, fourteen (14) magazines,” police said.