The Imo State Police Command has arrested three students of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), over the alleged killing of a 21-year-old undergraduate, Chinedu Chibuzor Christogonus, following accusations that he stole N13,500.

The victim, a 100-level Cyber Security student and member of the university’s Man O’ War organisation, reportedly died after he was allegedly assaulted by fellow members of the group.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement, saying preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased was allegedly restrained and severely assaulted, resulting in fatal injuries.

According to the police, the suspects are Chukwuemeka Benedict, 21; Kelechi Gospel Ikenna, 24; and Obioma Anastasia, 21, all 500-level students of the institution.

Okoye said the victim was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, after the incident but was confirmed dead by medical personnel.

He said, “Preliminary investigation reveals that the deceased, a 100-level student of Cyber Security and a member of the Man O’ War organisation in FUTO, was allegedly subjected to severe assault by some members of the organisation following an accusation of theft involving the sum of N13,500.

“Initial findings indicate that the deceased was allegedly restrained and assaulted, resulting in critical injuries.

He was subsequently rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, where he was confirmed dead by medical personnel.”

The police spokesman disclosed that the arrests were made on the directive of the Commissioner of Police in the state, Audu Garba Bosso, shortly after the incident was reported.

He added that relevant evidence had been recovered, while the victim’s remains had been deposited in a morgue pending autopsy.

Okoye further stated that the commissioner had ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Owerri for a comprehensive investigation.

Bosso, according to the statement, directed investigators to identify and question all persons linked to the incident, warning that anyone found culpable would face prosecution.

The police commissioner assured the deceased’s family, the university community and residents of a thorough and professional investigation, insisting that no suspect would be shielded regardless of status.

He urged residents to remain calm while investigations continue, reiterating the command’s commitment to ensuring justice for the deceased.

The Seriki Fulani of Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Abdullai Muhammadu, has been arrested by operatives of the Ogun State Police Command over alleged links to a kidnapping syndicate terrorising communities in Ijebuland, with detectives reportedly recovering a bag used for ransom payment from his kitchen.

Muhammadu, 67, who was arrested alongside his eldest son, Bello, however, denied involvement in kidnapping, insisting that although he knew one of his sons, Bala Muhammadu, had previously engaged in the crime, he believed the suspect had abandoned criminality after serving a prison sentence.

It was gathered that the arrest followed weeks of intelligence-led investigations by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ogun State Police Command into repeated abductions in Ijebu Ode, Imodi, Irewon, Iwode, Okun Owa and neighbouring communities.

Investigators reportedly traced the incidents to Bala, a suspected kidnap kingpin who had recently regained freedom after serving a five-year jail term for kidnapping.

Police sources disclosed that operatives, led by the Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, SP Bamidele Shirtu, stormed the family compound following credible intelligence but discovered that Bala and two of his brothers had fled moments before their arrival.

A police source informed that one of the bags allegedly used to deliver ransom to kidnappers was recovered in the suspect’s residence.

The source said, “After painstaking intelligence investigation, one of the bags used in ransom payment for one of the victims was recovered in the father’s kitchen.

“One of the children in the compound saw operatives entering the community and alerted Bala and his brothers. They escaped through the bush before security operatives got there.

“It is not only Bala involved in kidnapping. There is also Ndaji and another brother, and we are on their trail. There was an upsurge in kidnapping around the area after Bala regained freedom from prison, where he spent five years for the same offence.”

Speaking after his arrest, Muhammadu maintained his innocence, stressing that he had lived peacefully in Yorubaland for over three decades.

“My name is Muhammadu Abdulai. I am a cattle rearer and farmer. I have lived in Yorubaland for more than 30 years. I have four wives and 30 children. I was honoured with the title of Seriki Fulani in Ijebu Ode by the immediate past Awujale,” he said.

The traditional Fulani leader denied knowledge of the recovered ransom bag.

“I don’t know anything about the bag found in my house. I live in the same compound with my wives and children. I have never kidnapped anybody in my life,” he stated.

Muhammadu, however, admitted that Bala had a history of kidnapping.

“I know Bala was into kidnapping. He was arrested and sent to prison. After he returned, I took him to the hospital because he was very sick and spent one month receiving treatment.

“I thought he had changed because he returned to farming and cattle rearing. I didn’t know he had gone back to kidnapping. I am not involved in kidnapping and will never encourage it,” he added.

Also speaking, Bello Muhammadu, the eldest son arrested alongside his father, denied involvement in criminal activities, saying he was on the farm when policemen stormed their residence.

He said, “I am not into kidnapping. I only know Bala had been arrested and imprisoned some years ago. I don’t know anything about what he or my brothers are doing.

“If my father knew Bala had returned to crime, he would not support him.”

Confirming the operation, the spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, CSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the success recorded against kidnappers and other violent criminals in the state was made possible through the support of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and the operational leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni.

Babaseyi said the operation, which led to the arrest of suspects and recovery of incriminating exhibits, reflected the professionalism, bravery and intelligence-driven approach of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit.

He assured residents that sustained efforts were ongoing to dismantle criminal syndicates operating within Ogun and neighbouring states while urging members of the public to support security agencies with credible information.

President Bola Tinubu on Monday vowed that all students, pupils and teachers abducted during last Friday’s attack on schools in Oyo State would be rescued, as he ordered an intensified manhunt for the perpetrators following the reported killing of one of the kidnapped teachers.

The President, who described the killing as barbaric and unacceptable, assured residents that security agencies were working round the clock to secure the victims’ release and bring the abductors and their collaborators to justice.

The attack occurred in the Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where armed bandits invaded schools and abducted staff, students and pupils of Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School, triggering outrage and anxiety among residents.

Tinubu’s assurance was contained in a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Reacting to the incident, the President sympathised with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, the state government and families of the abducted victims, while commending steps already taken by the governor to address the situation.

“I am saddened by the reported killing of one of the teachers kidnapped by the gunmen who invaded the community. I sympathise with Governor Seyi Makinde and commend the steps he has taken on the matter. I sympathise with the families of the kidnapped victims,” Tinubu said.

He disclosed that the Federal Government had activated a joint rescue operation with the Oyo State Government, expressing optimism that security agencies would soon secure a breakthrough.

“The Federal Government is working with the Oyo State government to rescue all the victims,” he added.

Tinubu also commended the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioners of Police in Oyo and Kwara states for their swift intervention, particularly the deployment of tactical teams and operatives of the Intelligence Response Team.

According to the President, the Inspector-General of Police is personally leading a technology-driven operation aimed at tracking the abductors and dismantling their network.

“The IGP, following my instructions, is personally leading the tech-driven operation. We expect a breakthrough soon. The bandits and all their local collaborators will be fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law,” the President stated.

Tinubu further renewed calls for the establishment of state police, arguing that the growing wave of kidnappings across parts of the country had exposed security gaps in underserved communities.

“Cases of kidnapping further make imperative the establishment of state police to man some of our underserved areas. The National Assembly should accelerate the enactment of the law creating state police,” he said.

The latest attack has heightened concerns over insecurity in Oyo State, with residents calling for urgent action to curb rising abductions targeting schools and rural communities.