Police Investigate Murder of Kogi Graduate Aminu Lawal Amid Calls for Justice
Kogi Police launch investigation into the killing of Aminu Lawal, a graduate awaiting NYSC, as family and residents demand justice and transparency.
LOKOJA
The Kogi State Police Command has launched a comprehensive investigation into the gruesome killing of Aminu Lawal, a fresh graduate of the University of Maiduguri who was awaiting mobilisation for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), amid growing public outcry and demands for justice.
The development follows mounting concerns by family members, friends, and residents of Otokiti Estate in Lokoja, who fear that a suspect arrested in connection with the crime could be released due to alleged pressure from influential quarters.
Responding to the concerns, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, assured journalists that the Command has commenced a thorough investigation and dismissed claims of interference.
“It’s not true that the police is under pressure to release the suspect. We are still investigating the case and will ensure it is taken to a logical conclusion. The outcome will be made public,” she said, adding that more details would be provided as the investigation progresses.
Late Aminu Lawal was reported 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 absence, his family raised the alarm and initiated a frantic search, which ended tragically the following day when his lifeless body was discovered.
His charred remains were found along a deserted bush path opposite the Central Bank in the Zone 8 area of Lokoja, in what sources described as a brutal killing. Observers at the scene alleged that the victim may have been struck with a heavy object, while further injuries were identified around his neck. His tricycle was yet to be recovered as of the time of filing this report.
The shocking discovery threw the family and the entire neighbourhood into mourning. The remains were subsequently recovered and buried in accordance with Islamic rites.
The case took a dramatic turn following an independent, community-led inquiry which reportedly linked a suspect identified as Garuba, an acquaintance of the deceased and a fellow resident of Otokiti Estate, to the incident. He was said to have been among the last individuals to have contacted Lawal before his disappearance.
Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on March 25. He was initially detained at the NSCDC facility before the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further handling.
Despite the arrest, concerns persist within the community, with sources alleging attempts to influence the process and secure the suspect’s release.
An anonymous resident familiar with the matter appealed to authorities to ensure that justice is neither delayed nor denied.
“This case should not be swept under the carpet. Aminu struggled to train himself through school in Maiduguri despite the challenges there, only to return home and be killed. The least we expect is that those responsible are identified and brought to justice,” the source said.
As investigations continue, residents have called on security agencies to maintain transparency and diligence, stressing that justice for the slain graduate would not only bring closure to the family but also reinforce public confidence in the rule of law.