By Isaac Ukpoju
Lafia – The Police Command in Nasarawa State on Tuesday confirmed the arrest of a 29-year-old man for allegedly killing a policeman, Cpl. Sunday Ayuba, at Ado, Karu Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Kennedy Idirisu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lafia that the suspect had on Sept. 2 hit the victim in the process of being arrested for a fraud-related case.
Idirisu said investigation revealed that a gang of fraudsters had allegedly defrauded one Esther Amos of the sum of N3 million, with the suspect, (name withheld), offering to help her to recover the money.
“The suspect offered to help, provided Esther would pay him N200, 000.
“Esther and the suspect agreed on phone to meet at Ado junction in Karu local government area on the said date in order to seal the deal on how she would recover her money.
“Unknown to the suspect, Esther had contacted the police and late Cpl. Ayuba, attached to the Mararaba division, was waiting around the area to effect his arrest once identified.
“On getting to the location, Esther called the suspect’s phone and once he was sighted, the late cop immediately swooped to arrest him.
“The suspect in the process hit the cop and began to run; but he was apprehended by passersby and handed over to the police,” he said.
Idirisu added that the policeman was taken to the hospital, where he later died.
According to the spokesperson, the suspect would be prosecuted accordingly.
“The alleged fraud-related case involving the suspect is already before the court in Abuja,” he said.
Meanwhile, the suspect, who claimed to be a graduate of Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), told NAN that he acted in self-defense.
According to the suspect, he concluded his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in May in Nasarawa State.
“I never intended to harm the late policeman. My action was in self-defense.
“I didn’t even know that he was a policeman. I was only trying to free myself from his grip when I mistakenly elbowed him and he fell,” he said.
On the fraud allegation, the suspect said he got Esther’s contact from her Facebook page when he overheard his in-law talking about the N3 million deal and offered to help her recover the money. (NAN)