BY FATIMA M. SANI
The Borno State Police Command has debunked the allegations made by the Marama Community Development Association that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Hawul Police Division released a murder suspect.
The command debunked the allegations in a statement issued on Tuesday by the command's spokesman, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso.
According to him, the suspect, 24-year-old James Musa, was arrested on December 17, 2024, at about 07: 30AM for allegedly attacking and killing a security guard, Henry Madu, 56, at the Government Secondary School in Marama, Hawul Local Government Area.
ASP Daso said that Musa had trespassed onto the school premises and attempted to remove the school flag, leading to a confrontation with the security guard.
'Musa allegedly attacked Madu with stones and a long iron rod about 4 inches, causing severe head injuries.
'Two others, Hassan B. Mshelia and Heledi Paul, who tried to assist the victim, were also attacked by Musa and sustained injuries,' he explained.
He added that the police responded promptly to a distress call, and the DPO and his team visited the scene, disarmed, and arrested Musa.
'The three victims were rushed to the General Hospital in Biu for treatment. Unfortunately, Henry Madu was certified dead on December 26, 2024, while receiving treatment. The other two victims were treated and later discharged,' he added.
He denied allegations that the DPO released Musa, stating that he was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Maiduguri, along with the exhibits recovered, for discreet investigation and transparent prosecution.
The Borno State Police Command assured the public that the case would be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law and called for calm.
The command also expressed surprise at the allegations made by the Marama Community Development Association, stating that it remains committed to protecting the rights of citizens.