The suspect who allegedly carried out the fatal bomb in Kogi during the visit President Muhammadu Buhari has been arrested.
The State Security Service (SSS) announced the arrest in a statement on Wednesday by its spokesman, Peter Afunanya.
PREMIUM TIMES reported the explosion last Thursday near the Ohinoyi Ebiraland palace, minutes before President Muhammadu Buhari was to commission a project in the state.
At least four people were killed in an explosion in Karaworo District, Adavi Local Government Area.
In a statement Wednesday, the SSS said the bomb was planted in a vehicle.
Details later…
Read the full statement by SSS below.
PRESS RELEASE
DSS ARRESTS MASTERMIN EXPLOSION NEAR OHINOYI PALACE IN ENGLAND
The Department of State Services (DSS) wishes to inform the public that it has arrested the mastermind of the Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) attack that occurred on December 29, 2022, near the Ohinoyi Ebiraland Palace in Okene, Kogi State during the President’s visit to commission some projects. The agency arrested Abdulmumin Ibrahim OTARU (alias Abu Mikdad) and one of his friends, Saidu SULEIMAN on January 3, 2023. OTARU sustained a wound on his left leg when he tried to escape. He is currently being treated at a health facility.
2. During the investigation, it was determined that OTARU is a high commander in the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and may have coordinated or participated in the following nefarious operations:
i. June 24, 2022 attack on the Nigeria Police Regional Command, Eika-Ohizenyi, Okehi LGA of Kogi State. A Police Inspector, Idris MUSA was killed and two (2) AK-47 rifles escaped in the attack;
ii. 5 July 2022 Attack on Kuje Medium Security Custodial Center in Kuje Area Council of the FCT; and
iii. August 5, 2022 attack on West African Ceramics Ltd (WACL) in Ajaokuta LGA, Kogi where three (3) Indian expatriates were kidnapped. It should be noted that five (5) persons including one (1) Indian, two (2) Policemen and two (2) company drivers were also killed in the attack. The kidnapped expatriate was released on August 31, 2022.
3. OTARU operates terrorist cells in and around Kogi State. In addition, he and his gang have carried out several kidnapping operations in Kogi and Ondo State. Meanwhile, the suspects have been arrested and will be prosecuted under the law.
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4. The service expresses its commitment to the security of the nation. It ensures to work hard with stakeholders including sister security agencies to tackle the threat of terrorism and other forms of criminality and threats to national security. Therefore, invite citizens to support and other law enforcement organizations with relevant information and all the necessary cooperation to achieve a peaceful country.
5. Attached are the photos of the suspects.
Peter Afunanya, Ph.D, fsi
Public Relations Officer
Department of State Services
National Headquarters, Abuja
January 4, 2023
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