Abdul Rasheed Muhammad
The Nigerian Police have arrested Abdul Rasheed Muhammad, a serving naval officer, for the murder of Aminu Ibrahim, the son of former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral I. I. Ibrahim (retired).
The tragic incident occurred in the Maitama area of Abuja, where Muhammad allegedly killed Aminu and stole his SUV.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, Bennett Igweh, addressed the media on Wednesday, confirming the arrest of Muhammad.
Igweh stated, “About two weeks ago, Aminu Ibrahim, the son of Vice Admiral I. I. Ibrahim (retired), was robbed and killed in the Maitama area of Abuja, and his Prado SUV was taken. Abdul Rasheed Muhammad, a serving Nigerian Navy personnel, committed the murder. He has confessed to the crime, and we have recovered the Prado Jeep.”
The police investigation revealed that Muhammad, who served as a seaman in the Navy, was on guard duty at the residence of a retired naval officer. He was apprehended while driving the stolen vehicle. The police raised suspicions when he could not provide a satisfactory explanation for how he came into possession of the car.
“He was seen driving in the SUV, and during questioning, the suspect could not give a satisfactory explanation as to how he came about the vehicle. Police operatives took him into custody, and preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is a Sea Man of the Nigerian Navy on guard duty at the residence of a retired naval officer, and the vehicle belongs to the late Aminu Ibrahim,” Igweh added.
While in custody, Muhammad attempted to escape but was quickly rearrested by the police.
Speaking to journalists, Muhammad confessed to the crime, saying, “I work in the house. He [Aminu] wanted to come out at night. It was 11.30. He said he needed security. So I followed him with my gun. Along the way, he stopped. He was checking his ATM because I thought maybe he was going to buy something. Maybe I was going to escort him to a market or something like that. Then when I came out through the other door, I shot him to carry the car and go. I’m a guard. I’m serving in the Navy. I am a seaman. He did not do anything for me, I just killed him to take his car.”
In addition to the arrest of Muhammad, Commissioner Igweh also announced the capture of twin brothers, Obike David and Obike Stanley, who were involved in ATM card theft. The brothers were arrested for their role in swapping ATM cards and withdrawing money from the accounts of unsuspecting victims.
Igweh explained, “They execute their plans by claiming to assist unsuspecting persons who seem new to the operation of ATMs. While at it, they swap their ATM cards and proceed to withdraw money from the accounts of their victims. During interrogation, they freely confess to the crime and will be charged in court after the investigations.”
The police also paraded 94 members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, who were arrested following the death of two police officers during a protest. The officers, identified as ASP Innocent Agabi and Inspector Alex Odeh, lost their lives during the clash. Igweh noted that investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon completion.