By Friday Idachaba

In a chilling act of betrayal, the Kogi State Police Command has arrested Abdulmuqeet Musari for allegedly attempting to murder his close friend, Usman Tijani, a 19-year-old Cyber Security student, after robbing him of N200, 000
The suspect reportedly lured Usman to a Cemetery in New Zango, Adavi Local Government Area, where he overpowered him, slit his throat, and fled with the cash
Confirming the incident on Thursday in Lokoja, Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Williams Ovye Aya, said Musari is now in custody and assisting with ongoing investigations
Preliminary reports revealed that the victims, who also operates a Point of Sale(POS) business was deceived by Musari under the pretext of an errand on the night of December 24th, instead, the suspect ambushed himat the burial ground, leaving him for dead.

A family member of the victim, Zainab Avosuahi, who narrated the ugly incident disclosed that the suspect had on the evening of Tuesday December 24, allegedly requested his friend to accompany him to the area, luring him.

Avosuahi alleged that suspect, on getting to the destination, attacked her nephew, overpowered him and slit his throat, robbed him of N200,000 cash and escaped.

“We received a shocking call from my sister on Tuesday that left us devastated. Please this is a call for Justice for my nephew whom his friend dragged to the bush, collected 200,000 from and still have his throat butchered.

“He is currently undergoing surgery in Lokoja while the ‘devil in disguise’ of a friend is on the run. Please we are on the look out for him. This is all the information we can get now as the victim can’t say much,” she had stated.

However, the suspect was later apprehended by the Vigilante and security outfit of Adavi Local Government who placed him on surveillance and traced him to a neighbouring community in Ekiti State.

According to Suleiman Abdulrazaq Acheneje, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the LG chairman, Hon. Bashiru Okatenwu, the security personnel of the LG swung into action when they heard about the terrifying action.

Acheneje said that the intention of the suspect, Abdulmuqeet Musari, was no doubt, to kill Usman.

“The victim was found nearly dead and rescued around 2am (on Christmas day) in new Zango, Adavi LGA where he was immediately rushed to Lokoja and has since been receiving treatment in a very sound hospital there.

“The culprit was already on the run but kudos to the Executive Chairman Of Adavi, and their security intel as they were able to apprehend the culprit in Ekiti state.”

The festive season in Anambra State turned grim on Christmas Eve as gunmen abducted a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Mr. Justice Azuka, in what analysts describe as a troubling signal of growing insecurity in the region.

Azuka, who represents Onitsha North Constituency, was seized around 9:20 pm on Ugwunapampa Road in Onitsha while returning home, creating fears among residents already grappling with concerns over safety.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Anambra Police Command spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the incident and assured the public that tactical operations were underway to secure Azuka’s release and apprehend the kidnappers.

Ikenga emphasized that the police are working with local intelligence to track the perpetrators and urged the public to provide credible information that could aid investigations.
The abduction of a sitting lawmaker adds to a series of recent incidents involving kidnappings and attacks in the South-East region, heightening anxieties over the safety of citizens and public officials alike.
Community leaders and security experts have called for urgent intervention, including improved surveillance and intelligence-sharing mechanisms to counter the rising tide of abductions.
Residents of Onitsha and surrounding areas have expressed anger and frustration over the incident, demanding that security agencies intensify patrols and crack down on criminal networks.
Meanwhile, colleagues of the abducted lawmaker have called for calm, urging citizens to cooperate with authorities to ensure Azuka’s safe return.
As the police continue their investigations, questions remain about the effectiveness of current security measures in protecting lives and property in the region, especially during the holiday season.

Fear and panic gripped residents of Emure-Ile in Emure Local Government Area, Ekiti State, after gunmen ambushed a commercial bus transporting travellers from Onitsha, Anambra State, to Ado-Ekiti on Sunday night.
The heavily armed attackers dragged the passengers, including the driver, Mr. Sunday Emmanuel, into the bush, leaving behind some children whose cries attracted passersby early Monday morning.
A source at the Road Transport Employer Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) disclosed that the kidnappers have contacted the driver’s family, demanding a staggering N30 million ransom for each victim.
“They let me speak with the driver briefly before stating their demands,” the source said. “We’re still waiting for their next call.”
Security operatives are said to be combing the surrounding forests in search of the victims, while families remain gripped by fear as negotiations continue.
The incident highlights the growing insecurity along Nigerian highways and calls for intensified efforts to combat kidnapping and protect road users.