‎Suspects lured, killed ATBU graduate over tricycle, Kogi police reveal ‎ ‎

‎The Kogi State Police Command has disclosed how suspected criminals lured and killed a fresh graduate of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) in a bid to steal his tricycle.
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‎The victim, identified as Aminu Abubakar, had recently completed his studies and was awaiting mobilisation for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) before the tragic incident.
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‎According to the police spokesperson, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, the suspects allegedly disguised themselves as construction workers and deceived the victim into taking them to a secluded location in Lokoja.
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‎Investigations revealed that the attack was premeditated, as the suspects targeted the victim with the intention of dispossessing him of his tricycle. He was subsequently assaulted and killed, with an autopsy confirming that he sustained fatal injuries from repeated blows to the head.
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‎Abubakar had reportedly left his residence in the Otokiti area of Lokoja in search of daily income but failed to return home, prompting concern from his family. His lifeless body was later discovered around the Zone 8 area of the state capital.
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‎Following a coordinated investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department, police operatives arrested two principal suspects linked to the crime. The suspects allegedly confessed that the killing was carried out to enable them to steal the tricycle.
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‎The stolen tricycle was later sold to a third suspect, who was also arrested. A search of his residence led to the recovery of the victim’s tricycle and other suspected stolen items.
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‎Police further disclosed that the main suspects are ex-convicts previously linked to armed robbery and homicide cases. They have since been charged in court and remanded in custody pending further proceedings.
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‎The Commissioner of Police in the state commended the operatives for their efforts and urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information to curb crime.