By OJOMA PETER, Lokoja –
Kogi State Police Command has declared the late Muhammad Kassim, alias Enemi, and six other arrested suspects as members of a cult and arms trafficking syndicate operating within and beyond Kogi State.
The announcement comes in response to allegations of politically motivated killing made by the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Lokoja, the command’s spokesperson, SP Williams Ovye-Aya, categorically dismissed claims by SDP Publicity Secretary Isaiah Ijele, who described Kassim as a “Regional Youths Leader” and accused the police of extrajudicial killing.
Ijele had demanded a transparent investigation, stating, “The SDP condemns this brutal act and stands with Kassim’s family in seeking justice for what appears to be a politically driven crime.”
Ovye-Aya countered these allegations, asserting, “The claims of politically motivated killing are baseless and misleading. Our investigations confirm that the late Kassim was a key member of a dangerous syndicate involved in illegal arms trafficking and cult activities.”
He clarified that Kassim’s death occurred during an altercation following his attempt to evade arrest.
According to the police, the investigation began after a tip-off from the Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja, which implicated Mohammed Amedu, a syndicate member arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) on June 22.
The case was handed over to the Kogi Police Command on June 28.
“Amedu confessed to his involvement and named Kassim and others as part of the arms trafficking network,” Ovye-Aya revealed.
The investigation uncovered that Kassim had allegedly purchased 20 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition to test an AK-47 rifle.
Further probes led to the arrest of five additional suspects and the recovery of two locally made Beretta pistols.
On July 7, operatives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) visited Idah to invite Kassim for questioning, but he fled upon sighting the police.
“Kassim jumped his fence to escape arrest, prompting surveillance by the Idah Police Division,” Ovye-Aya explained.
On the day of the incident, police operatives located Kassim in Idah, where he resisted arrest amidst suspected gang members. “Kassim and his group attacked our officers with cutlasses and stones,” Ovye-Aya said.
“During a struggle over an officer’s rifle, a shot was fired, striking Kassim in the leg. His associates whisked him away, and he later succumbed to his injuries.”
The police emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing, and all suspects will face prosecution upon its conclusion.
“We are committed to rooting out criminal elements and ensuring justice is served,” Ovye-Aya added.
