Kogi police set to prosecute three for murder of citizen Mariam Usman, crack down on defaced Number plates.
By ASP Saliu Afusat PRO
The Kogi State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in the investigation of a culpable homicide case reported on 25th June, 2026, following the death of one Mariam Usman, a staff member of Brains Minds Nursery and Primary School, Ugbamaka, Olamaboro Local Government Area.
Upon receipt of the complaint, Detectives of the Homicide Section, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Lokoja, swung into action, conducting a comprehensive investigation that culminated in the arrest of three suspects in connection with the case.
Investigation established that on 17th June, 2026, one Abdullahi Isiaka assaulted the deceased at her residence over the disciplinary action she took against his eleven-year-old son during school hours. Later that same day, while the deceased was on her way to the mosque for prayers, she was again assaulted by Ramatu Isiaka Eleojo.
Further investigation revealed that on 18th June, 2026, Ojonojima Mary, younger sister to Ramatu Isiaka Eleojo, went to Brains Minds Nursery and Primary School, Ugbamaka, where she assaulted the deceased in her workplace.
Following the attacks, the victim was initially treated at Grace Clinic, Ugbamaka, before she was referred to Eleojo Clinic, Okpo, for further medical attention. She, however, succumbed to the injuries on 25th June, 2026.
The investigation established a prima facie case of Criminal Conspiracy and Culpable Homicide against the suspects, Ojonojima Mary, Ramatu Isiaka Eleojo, and Abdullahi Isiaka. Consequently, the investigation has concluded, and the suspects will be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction for prosecution.
The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, psc, mni, commends the professionalism, diligence and commitment displayed by the detectives of the Homicide Section, SCID, in ensuring that justice is served. He reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to bringing perpetrators of violent crimes to justice and assures the good people of Kogi State that the Command will continue to investigate all criminal cases diligently and professionally.
The Commissioner of Police further advised members of the public to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and to always seek lawful means of resolving grievances. He also encouraged residents to continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information that will aid crime prevention and effective law enforcement.
In another operations, it has begun the enforcement exercise against vehicles operating without registration number plates, with obscured or covered registration number plates, and those unlawfully displaying foreign registration number plates remains in full force across Kogi State.
The Command emphasizes that the exercise is being sustained without exception and will continue until full compliance is achieved. Accordingly, owners and drivers of vehicles found violating these directives risk having their vehicles impounded and may be subjected to other appropriate sanctions in accordance with the law.
This enforcement is aimed at strengthening public safety, enhancing crime prevention, improving intelligence gathering, and ensuring effective identification and tracing of vehicles used within the State. Experience has shown that criminals often exploit vehicles without identifiable registration numbers or with concealed number plates to perpetrate criminal activities and evade detection.
The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, *CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, psc, mni*, reiterates that the directive is in line with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, *IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM*, to promote a safer and more secure environment through effective law enforcement and strict compliance with extant laws and regulations.
The Command therefore urges all vehicle owners and motorists to ensure that:
* Their vehicles are duly registered and display valid registration number plates.
* Registration number plates are not covered, defaced, altered, tinted, or otherwise obscured.
* Foreign registration number plates are used strictly in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations.
* Any unauthorized coverings or devices capable of concealing registration number plates are immediately removed.
Members of the public are advised to comply with these directives to avoid unnecessary inconvenience, including the impoundment of their vehicles during the ongoing enforcement exercise.
The Kogi State Police Command appreciates the continued support and cooperation of law-abiding residents and assures the public that the enforcement exercise will be conducted professionally, fairly, and without fear or favour, in line with the Police Act, 2020, and the Nigeria Police Regulations.
