Police Clarify Circumstances Surrounding Death of Wanted Suspect in Kogi

YOLA —By Ojoma Yusuf

The Kogi State Police Command has provided a detailed account surrounding the death of a wanted suspect, Muhammed Kassim, popularly known as Enemi, in Idah, Kogi State.

In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP William Ovye Aya, the Police refuted unverified reports circulating on social media and clarified that the deceased was on the police wanted list for alleged involvement in criminal conspiracy, unlawful possession of prohibited firearms, gun running, and membership of an unlawful society.

According to the statement, Kassim was linked to an arms trafficking syndicate operating within and outside Kogi State. His name emerged during investigations following the arrest of one Mohammed Amedu by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on June 22, 2025, based on intelligence from the Office of the National Security Adviser. Amedu, upon interrogation, reportedly confessed to the crime and named Kassim and others as co-conspirators.

Police investigations further revealed that Kassim had allegedly purchased 20 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition to test an AK-47 rifle reportedly in his possession. The probe led to the arrest of five additional suspects and the recovery of two locally-made Beretta pistols.

On July 7, officers from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) were dispatched to Idah to invite Kassim for questioning. However, the suspect fled upon sighting the officers, prompting the Police to place him under surveillance.

Subsequently, acting on credible intelligence about Kassim’s location, officers from the Idah Division attempted to arrest him.

According to the Police, Kassim resisted arrest with the support of alleged gang members, who attacked the officers with stones, cutlasses, and other weapons. During the confrontation, Kassim reportedly struggled with a Police officer in an attempt to seize his rifle. In the scuffle, the weapon discharged, hitting Kassim in the leg.

The Police said Kassim was then taken away by his associates and died from the injury in their custody at an undisclosed location.

The Command stated that investigations are ongoing and that all suspects arrested so far will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the inquiry.

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