The police command in Kogi State has arrested three suspects over the alleged murder of Mariam Usman, a teacher in a primary school in Ugbamaka, Olamaboro Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s public relations officer (PPRO), Afusat Saliu, in a statement on Wednesday in Lokoja, said that the three were arrested in the course of its investigation.
She said that detectives of the Homicide Section, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), upon receiving the report of the crime on June 25 started an investigation.
Ms Saliu said the investigation showed that Ms Usman was assaulted on June 17 at her residence by a pupil’s father for allegedly disciplining his son during school hours.
“Later that same day, while the teacher was on her way to the mosque for prayers, she was again assaulted by Ramatu Isiaka Eleojo,” Ms Saliu said.
The command’s spokesperson added that on June 18, Mary Ojonojima, younger sister to Ramatu Isiaka Eleojo, went to Brains Minds Nursery and Primary School, Ugbamaka, where she also assaulted Ms Usman at her workplace.
Ms Saliu said that the teacher was initially treated at Grace Clinic, Ugbamaka, and later referred to Eleojo Clinic, Okpo, for further medical attention, but died on June 25 due to the injuries sustained
The command’s spokesperson further said that the investigation established a prima facie case of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide against the three suspects: Ojonojima Mary, Ramatu Isiaka Eleojo, and Abdullahi Isiaka.
“The suspects will be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction for prosecution,” she said.
The state Commissioner of Police, Naziru Kankarofi, commended the professionalism, diligence and commitment displayed by the homicide detectives in ensuring that justice is served.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to bringing perpetrators of violent crimes to justice and assured residents that criminal cases would continue to be investigated diligently and professionally.
Mr Kankarofi advised members of the public to refrain from taking laws into their own hands and to seek lawful means of resolving grievances.
He urged residents to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information to aid crime prevention and effective law enforcement.
(NAN)
