By Our Correspondent

National News – The Kogi State Police Command has opened a thorough investigation into the killing of Aminu Lawal, a fresh graduate of the University of Maiduguri, whose body was discovered in Lokoja two weeks ago.

Lawal, who was awaiting his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) call-up, went missing on March 18 after leaving his home in Otokiti Estate to operate his tricycle, popularly known as Keke NAPEP.

His charred remains were later found along a secluded bush path opposite the Central Bank, Zone 8. Sources revealed that his assailants allegedly inflicted fatal injuries to his head and cut a vein on his neck, while his tricycle remains missing.

Following mounting public concern, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, spokesperson for the Kogi State Police Command, assured journalists that the investigation is ongoing and would reach a logical conclusion.

The family, friends, and neighbors expressed fears that the suspect, Garuba, an acquaintance of the deceased from the same estate and one of his last callers, might be released due to external pressures.

Garuba was arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps on March 25 and later transferred to the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID) for further investigation.

Community-led inquiries and eyewitness accounts suggest that Lawal’s murder was deliberate, sparking widespread mourning in his neighborhood.

Lawal’s family emphasized the need for justice, highlighting that he completed his education in Maiduguri despite security challenges and deserved protection and accountability.

The police have promised transparency in disclosing investigative developments and urged the public to avoid speculation that could hinder the probe.

Authorities are calling on anyone with information regarding the crime or the whereabouts of the missing tricycle to come forward.

The investigation is expected to provide answers to who committed the crime, how it was carried out, and ensure justice for the victim and his family.