The Kogi State Police Command has commenced a full-scale investigation into the gruesome killing of a fresh graduate, Aminu Lawal, amid rising public outcry and fears of possible interference in the case.
Lawal, who recently completed his studies at the University of Maiduguri and was awaiting mobilisation for the National Youth Service Corps, was murdered in Lokoja under circumstances that have sparked anger among residents and calls for justice.
The police spokesperson in the state, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, confirmed the development in Lokoja, dismissing speculations that the command was under pressure to release a suspect already in custody.
She assured that the investigation would be pursued thoroughly and professionally, adding that findings would be made public upon conclusion.
“We are not under any pressure to free any suspect.
“The case is still under investigation, and we will ensure it is taken to a logical end,” she stated.
The incident, which occurred about two weeks ago, has left the victim’s family and community in deep grief.
Lawal was reported missing on March 18 after he left his residence in the Otokiti area of Lokoja to operate his commercial tricycle but failed to return home.
Concerned relatives immediately began a search, which ended in tragedy the following day when his lifeless body was discovered along a secluded bush path opposite the Central Bank area in Zone 8.
Sources said the remains bore signs of violent assault, suggesting he may have been attacked with a heavy object, while further injuries were also observed on his neck.
His tricycle was reportedly missing as of the time of the discovery.
The killing has since taken a dramatic turn, following a parallel probe by members of the community, which reportedly linked a man identified simply as Garuba, said to be an acquaintance of the deceased, to the crime.
He was alleged to be among the last persons to have contacted the victim before his disappearance.
Security operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps subsequently arrested the suspect on March 25, before transferring the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further handling.
Amid the ongoing probe, concerns have emerged from residents over alleged attempts to influence the case.
A source familiar with the situation called for transparency and justice, warning against any move to compromise the investigation.
The source lamented that the deceased had struggled through school despite challenges in the North-East, only to meet a tragic end in his home state.
Residents have continued to demand a swift and credible investigation to ensure that all those responsible are identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.