10 suspects arrested for ‘killing’ policeman in Borno

The Borno police command says 10 persons suspected to be involved in the killing of Babagana Malaa, a policeman, have been arrested. 

The police officer, attached to the CRACK unit of the command, was beaten to a pulp by members of a notorious criminal gang on July 23.

Confirming the arrest to journalists on Tuesday, Yusuf Lawal, police commissioner in Borno, said the suspects also stabbed the officer with a sharp object on his back.

“On receipt of a distress call, the police patrol team responded and rescued the victim to Maiduguri Specialist Hospital for treatment where he was later certified dead,” NAN quoted Lawal as saying.

“Police undercover operatives obtained a video clip of the incident from a good Samaritan which led to the arrest of the following suspects: Usman Audu, Hauwa Usman, Aisha Musa, and Abba Bala.

“Others are Sunday Garba, David Paul, Mohammed Abubakar, Jude Eze, Amaechi Abdulsalam, and Nduibuse Nnaji.”

Lawal said the case has been transferred to the state criminal investigation department (CID) for investigation and prosecution.

He said 78 other suspects were arrested for different crimes during raids on black spots in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.

The police commissioner said a criminal gang of four women and a man was also apprehended for alleged shoplifting in the state.

“The command has taken bold steps to checkmate youths’ involvement in violent crime, criminalities and anti-social behaviour,” he added.

“This will reduce the fear of committing a crime and improve the quality of life and ease of doing business, particularly in the Maiduguri metropolis and beyond.

“The command shall remain resolute and committed in checkmating acts of lawlessness and excesses of youths.”