The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Police Inspector Aminu Mohammed for robbing the residences around his duty station at ‘C’ Division in Lokoja, the state capital.
The officer was apprehended following the activities of a notorious gang of armed robbers.
Public Relations Officer SP William Aya revealed to journalists on Tuesday in Lokoja that the arrest occurred after a gang member, who had been on the police wanted list for other crimes, confessed and named the police officer as the mastermind behind the robberies.
The officer had allegedly contracted the gang to rob a house on June 14, 2024, with the sole aim of obtaining the owner’s car.
“The car was found in the workshop of the policeman’s panel beater, Arome Moses, who was already working on changing the car’s color at Ochadamu near Anyigba in the eastern part of the state,” said Aya. “Those who recognized the vehicle and were aware of the robbery quickly raised the alarm upon sighting the car.”
The car’s plate number had been changed to an Abuja number, and the officer presented a backdated car dealer’s receipt from 2020 as evidence of purchase. However, the Quick Response Unit attached to the Police Area Command swiftly apprehended the panel beater, leading to the unraveling of the case.
Nigerians on Facebook have reacted strongly to the news, expressing outrage and concern over the state of the police force.
Obinna Akor lamented, “Those who have the passion and zeal to be recruited into the police force were denied the chance and screened out because they don’t have connections and can’t afford the backdoor payment. Now, armed robbers, rogues, and violent persons are recruited as policemen, and the nation is reaping the consequences.”
Comrade Musa Ilyasu stated, “Our security agencies cause more insecurity than any other person. This is the result of recruiting people into security based on personality instead of merit.”
“This is one of the reasons state police will be dangerous because this will be replicated in various states” Sonny Dunku warned.
Udeze Chima remarked, “Not today, many police officers are into crimes since time immemorial.”
Mac Senzy expressed relief, saying, “Karma has no menu; it serves you what you deserve. Thank God he was apprehended. Some of these security operatives have no conscience, thinking that nemesis will not catch up with them one day. Let him be punished for the crime he committed to serve as a deterrent to others. The Nigerian police are fond of shielding their erring personnel.”
Isuofagha Tuebi suggested, “Investigate him properly, and it all shall boil down to the hardship faced by Nigerians. The officer should be blamed for his unruly act. Also blame the useless government. If protests are carried out today, they are the ones to be at the forefront fighting the protesters. Simply the ideology of obey the last command. May God help us.”
“Both Fulani Janjaweeds in the army and police are the same, wreaking havoc everywhere. They facilitate their bandit brothers’ movement and collude with them in all their activities.” Nwabugwu Ejike Kanu commented
Yusuf Rilwan Nda added, “Police keep on recruiting criminals into the force due to nepotism. Background checks should be a major priority before recruiting anyone into the force. See where we have found ourselves. How do we get rid of miscreants from our society when those that are meant to protect us are the ones committing the crime? Wolahi, we are finished.”
