By STEPHEN ADELEYE

The Police Command in Kogi has arrested three suspects over the alleged murder of Mariam Usman, a member of staff of Brains Minds Nursery and Primary School, Ugbamaka in Olamaboro LGA.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP 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 investigation.

Saliu said that investigation revealed that the Uman was assaulted on June 17 at her residence by a father of a pupil 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,” 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 the Usman at her workplace.

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 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 Commissioner of Police (CP), Kogi State Command, Naziru Kankarofi, commended the professionalism, diligence and commitment displayed by the Homicide detectives in ensuring that justice is served.

He reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to bringing perpetrators of violent crimes to justice, and assured residents that all criminal cases will continue to be investigated diligently and professionally.

CP Kankarofi also 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)