In a tragic case that has shocked the community, the Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested two men in Obi Local Government Area over their alleged involvement in the abduction and murder of a trader named Felicia Namkywa. The suspects, identified as Abubakar Ibrahim and Isah Ayuba, are currently in police custody, facing charges of kidnapping and culpable homicide.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Ramhan Nansel, announced the arrests in a statement released to journalists in Lafia, the state capital, on Sunday. He highlighted the police’s efforts to track down the suspects, who reportedly lured their victim into a deadly trap.
“The duo of Abubakar Ibrahim and Isah Ayuba, both males from Shember village of Agwatashi in Obi Local Government Area, have been arrested by police detectives attached to the Obi Division. They are being investigated for the abduction and subsequent killing of one Felicia Namkywa, a petty trader, following a painstaking investigation,” Nansel revealed.
The case came to light when Namkywa’s family reported her missing to the police after she disappeared for several days. Despite efforts to find her, there was no trace of her whereabouts until the police uncovered the suspects’ involvement. According to Nansel, the investigation showed that Abubakar Ibrahim, who owed the victim ₦40,000, used this as a ploy to lure her into a remote area under the pretense of buying grains.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was lured via phone call by one of the suspects (Abubakar Ibrahim), who owed her the sum of ₦40,000, and invited her to come and purchase grains in one of the Fulani settlements (Ruga) in the area. Unknown to her, there was a sinister plan to take her life and dispossess her of her business capital,” Nansel explained.
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The police spokesperson detailed how the suspects abducted Namkywa, took her deep into the forest, and strangled her to death. They then dumped her body in a swamp and stole ₦555,000 found on her. Upon their arrest, the suspects confessed to their actions and led the police to the location where Namkywa’s decaying remains were discovered.
“The suspects, upon interrogation, confessed to having lured and abducted the victim, took her deep into the forest where she was strangled to death, and her remains dumped in a swamp. They also took away the sum of ₦555,000 that was found on the victim,” Nansel said.
In response to the arrests, the Nasarawa State Commissioner of Police, Umar Nadada, directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to conclude the investigation swiftly and ensure the suspects face justice in court. Nadada also extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, assuring them that the law would take its course.
“Our hearts go out to the victim’s family. Justice will be served, and those responsible for this heinous act will be held accountable,” the police commissioner stated, urging the grieving relatives to remain calm as the investigation progresses.