On Tuesday, a tragic story of violence and insecurity in Abuja was brought to light by a federal lawmaker, Dabo Haruna, who represents Toro Federal Constituency of Bauchi State in the House of Representatives. Haruna revealed that despite the payment of ransom, his legislative aide, Miss Nimah Sulaiman, was brutally killed after being kidnapped. The incident occurred on October 17, 2024, as she was returning home.
Haruna moved a motion of urgent national importance to address the rising insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). While presenting the motion, he highlighted the increasing wave of kidnappings, robberies, and the notorious “one-chance” crimes—where criminals pose as taxi drivers and attack unsuspecting passengers. The lawmaker noted that Abuja residents are living in fear as criminal activities continue to rise in the capital city.
“It has been a tumultuous and scary situation for people living within the federal capital territory,” Haruna lamented.
He expressed particular concern about the widespread use of unregistered and unpainted taxis, which he described as providing a convenient avenue for criminals to carry out their activities.
“The use of unregistered and unpainted taxis has further worsened the situation, providing an easy conduit for criminal activities within the capital city,” he added.
Recalling the tragic incident, Haruna shared details of Sulaiman’s ordeal.
“Further aware that one Miss Nimah Sulaiman, a Legislative Aide of Hon Dabo, was kidnapped and brutally murdered on Thursday, October 17, 2024, on her way home to Jahi District, around 6:15 pm, where she was taken at gunpoint at Bannex Junction in Wuse 2 by one-chance operators,” he recounted.
Despite fulfilling the kidnappers’ demand for a ransom, Sulaiman’s life was not spared. Her body was found later that evening between 9 and 10 pm at the Maitama/Minister’s Hill Bridge.
“Despite paying ransom in full, her life was tragically cut short,” Haruna said, expressing deep sorrow over the incident.
He emphasized that the shocking crime underscores the growing insecurity in the FCT and called for immediate action to protect residents.
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The House of Representatives took action following Haruna’s motion. It summoned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to address the surge in “one-chance” incidents, kidnappings, and other security challenges in Abuja. Additionally, the Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, and the Director-General of the State Security Service, Adeola Ajayi, were also called to appear before the House committees on FCT, Police Affairs, and National Security and Intelligence.
The House directed its committee on FCT to investigate the proliferation of unregistered and unpainted taxis in Abuja. The committee was tasked with recommending measures to regulate these vehicles to prevent their use in criminal activities.
Haruna urged fellow lawmakers and security agencies to act decisively to restore safety in the nation’s capital, emphasizing the need for a united effort.
“This heinous crime has sent shockwaves through our community, confirming the escalating insecurity in the FCT. It is our collective responsibility as lawmakers to ensure the safety and security of our citizens,” he stressed.