Nearly two weeks after a Kogi schoolteacher allegedly died from injuries sustained in separate assaults over the punishment of a pupil, the police have arrested three suspects and concluded investigations into the case.
The Kogi State Police Command said the suspects would soon be arraigned on charges of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide over the death of Mariam Usman, a teacher at Brains Minds Nursery and Primary School, Ugbamaka, in Olamaboro Local Government Area.
Police spokesperson, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, said detectives from the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department unravelled the circumstances surrounding the teacher’s death after an extensive investigation.
According to the police, the first attack occurred on June 17 when Abdullahi Isiaka allegedly assaulted Usman at her residence over disciplinary measures she took against his 11-year-old son during school hours.
Investigators alleged that later the same day, Ramatu Isiaka Eleojo attacked the teacher while she was on her way to a mosque for prayers.
The police further said that on June 18, Ojonojima Mary, identified as the younger sister of Ramatu Isiaka Eleojo, allegedly stormed Brains Minds Nursery and Primary School and assaulted the teacher at her workplace.
Usman was initially treated at Grace Clinic in Ugbamaka before she was referred to Eleojo Clinic in Okpo, where she later died from injuries allegedly sustained during the attacks.
The command said its investigation established a prima facie case against the three suspects.
“The investigation has been concluded and the suspects will be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction to face prosecution,” the police said.
Commending the detectives, Commissioner of Police Naziru Bello Kankarofi said the command remained committed to ensuring justice for victims of violent crimes.
He urged residents to shun self-help and embrace lawful means of resolving disputes, while encouraging members of the public to continue providing credible information to support effective policing and crime prevention.