By Correspondent in Lokoja.
The Police Command in Kogi State has clarified on the circumstances surrounding the death of the suspect, who had been on the police wanted list bordering criminal conspiracy, illegal arms possession, gun-running, and cultism.
The Police Public Relations Officer PPRO for the Command,SP.William Ovie Aya, in a statement he signed and availed The Reporters a copy in Lokoja on Wednesday, said that
the story began to unfold after a critical security operation coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja.
He added that on June 22, 2025, the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested one Mohammed Amedu, suspected to be a key member of an arms syndicate operating across state borders.
Aya said that during interrogation, Amedu reportedly confessed to supplying weapons and named Enemi as a buyer and member of the syndicate, alleging that Enemi had recently purchased 20 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition to test an AK-47 rifle.
The PPRO added that with this testimony, the case was transferred to the Kogi State Police Command on June 28, setting in motion a deeper investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Lokoja.
He said that by July 7, SCID detectives were deployed to Idah to formally invite Enemi for questioning but that the suspect evaded arrest by jumping over his compound’s fence upon sighting the officers.
According to him Enemi’s action triggered a more aggressive strategy during which police at the Idah Division were tasked with tracking and arresting him at any opportunity.
He further revealed that the chance came days later when Enemi was spotted at a location in Idah, reportedly surrounded by his gang members, adding that Police operatives moved swiftly for him but that Enemi resisted arrest, prompting a chase
In the melee that followed, gang members armed with stones, cutlasses, and other weapons attacked the officers, creating chaos and attempting to shield Enemi. Amid the clash, the suspect allegedly grabbed a police rifle, struggling with the officer in a bid to disarm him,he added.
SP Aya further said that in the heat of the struggle, the rifle discharged a bullet, striking Enemi in the leg, pointing out that rather than surrender, his gang overpowered the police officers, dragged the injured suspect away, and disappeared into an unknown location, where police say Enemi later died from the gunshot wound.
Our correspondent reports that the incident sparked rumors on social media accusing the police of extrajudicial killing but
Aya denied any wrongdoing, stating that Enemi died in the hands of his gang while resisting lawful arrest.
He added that five other suspects connected to the syndicate have been arrested, adding that two locally made Beretta pistols were recovered during the ongoing investigation.
“All suspects will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigations,” SP Aya assured.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
