Kogi Police Detain Three Suspects in Teacher's Death Probe

The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the apprehension of three individuals following an extensive investigation into the alleged killing of Mariam Usman, a dedicated staff member at Brains Minds Nursery and Primary School, located in Ugbamaka, Olamaboro Local Government Area of the state. ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, the command’s spokesperson, released a statement on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, detailing how detectives from the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Lokoja, meticulously handled the case, leading to these arrests.

Police inquiries revealed a series of assaults that ultimately led to Ms. Usman's demise. The initial incident occurred on June 17, 2026, when Abdullahi Isiaka allegedly assaulted the deceased at her residence. This attack was reportedly in retaliation for disciplinary measures Ms. Usman had taken against his 11-year-old son during school hours. Later that same day, Mariam Usman faced another assault while on her way to the mosque, this time allegedly perpetrated by Ramatu Isiaka Eleojo.

The sequence of attacks continued on June 18, 2026, when Ojonojima Mary, identified as Ramatu Isiaka Eleojo’s younger sister, reportedly stormed Brains Minds Nursery and Primary School. There, she assaulted the victim at her place of work. Following these brutal attacks, Ms. Usman received initial treatment at Grace Clinic in Ugbamaka before being transferred to Eleojo Clinic in Okpo for more specialized medical care. Tragically, she succumbed to her injuries on June 25, 2026.

The police statement highlighted this significant breakthrough in the culpable homicide case, which was officially reported on the day of Mariam Usman's death. "Upon receipt of the complaint, Detectives of the Homicide Section, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Lokoja, swung into action, conducting a comprehensive investigation that culminated in the arrest of three suspects in connection with the case," the statement affirmed. The investigation has established a prima facie case of Criminal Conspiracy and Culpable Homicide against the three suspects: Ojonojima Mary, Ramatu Isiaka Eleojo, and Abdullahi Isiaka.

With the investigation now concluded, the suspects are slated for arraignment before a competent court of jurisdiction for prosecution. Commissioner of Police for Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, psc, mni, lauded the Homicide Section, SCID detectives for their exceptional professionalism, diligence, and unwavering commitment to ensuring justice. He reaffirmed the Command’s dedication to prosecuting perpetrators of violent crimes and assured Kogi residents of continued diligent and professional handling of all criminal cases. The Commissioner also urged the public to refrain from vigilantism, advocating for lawful means of grievance resolution, and encouraged citizens to provide timely and credible information to assist law enforcement efforts.