The Kogi State Police Command has arrested three suspects over the alleged killing of Mariam Usman, a staff member of Brains Minds Nursery and Primary School in Ugbamaka, Olamaboro Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects—identified as Abdullahi Isiaka, Ramatu Isiaka Eleojo and Ojonojima Mary—were arrested following an investigation by detectives from the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Lokoja.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, said the investigation established a prima facie case of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide against the suspects.
According to the police, the incident began on June 17, 2026, when Abdullahi Isiaka allegedly assaulted the deceased at her residence over disciplinary measures she took against his 11-year-old son while carrying out her duties at the school.
The command said Mariam Usman was allegedly attacked again later that same day while on her way to the mosque by Ramatu Isiaka Eleojo.
Investigators further alleged that on June 18, Ojonojima Mary, the younger sister of Ramatu Isiaka Eleojo, went to Brains Minds Nursery and Primary School, where she also assaulted the teacher at her workplace.
Following the alleged attacks, the victim received treatment at Grace Clinic in Ugbamaka before she was referred to Eleojo Clinic in Okpo for further medical care.
She later died from her injuries on June 25, prompting the police to launch a homicide investigation.
“The investigation established a prima facie case of Criminal Conspiracy and Culpable Homicide against the suspects, Ojonojima Mary, Ramatu Isiaka Eleojo and Abdullahi Isiaka,” the statement said.
The police added that investigations have been concluded and the suspects will be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction to face prosecution.
Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, commended detectives of the SCID Homicide Section for what he described as their professionalism, diligence and commitment in handling the investigation.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring justice for victims of violent crimes and assured residents that all criminal cases would continue to receive thorough and professional investigation.
The commissioner also urged members of the public to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and instead seek lawful means of resolving disputes.
He further encouraged residents to continue providing the police with timely and credible information to support crime prevention and effective law enforcement.
