The Kogi State Police Command has opened a full investigation into the killing of Aminu Lawal, a recent graduate of the University of Maiduguri, who was found dead in Lokoja two weeks ago.
RoundReports understands that the move follows growing calls from the victim’s family and residents of Otokiti Estate, who fear that an arrested suspect could be released amid allegations of interference in the investigation.
Speaking to journalists in Lokoja, the police spokesperson, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, said detectives had commenced detailed inquiries and would pursue the case to its conclusion.
Afusat dismissed claims that the command was under pressure to free any suspect, adding that findings from the investigation would be made public in due course.
“It is not true that the police are being pressured to release anyone. Investigations are ongoing and will be concluded professionally,” she said.
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Lawal, who had recently completed his studies and was awaiting mobilisation for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), was reported missing on Wednesday, 18 March, after leaving home to work with his commercial tricycle.
His body was discovered the following day in a secluded area of the state capital, and was subsequently buried in line with Islamic rites.
The case took a new turn after a community-led inquiry reportedly linked an acquaintance of the deceased, identified as Garuba, to the killing.
Garuba was said to be among the last people to contact Lawal before his disappearance.
Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) arrested the suspect on 25 March, before the matter was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department.
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