Soldier Arrested For Stabbing Kwara DPO
A soldier serving at Sector 3 Garrison, Mongunu, Maiduguri, identified as Suleiman Sidiq, has been arrested for allegedly inflicting serious injuries on a Divisional Police Officer at Sinau town, in Ilesha-Baruba, Kwara North Senatorial District.
Sidiq was said to have brought out a jackknife and stabbed the left hand of the DPO, identified as DSP Marufu Keji Suleiman, while the latter was trying to intervene when the former attacked the Divisional Crime Officer, ASP Okeowo Joel.
The spokesperson of the Kwara State Police Command, DSP Ejire Adeyemi Toun, while reacting to a disturbing video in circulation about the incident, disclosed that it occurred on March 20, 2024.
According to her: “At about 5:20 pm, a report was received from one PTE, Suleiman Sidiq, a soldier serving at Sector 3 Garrison, Mongunu, Maiduguri, regarding a case of mischief in the Sinawu town of Ilesha-Baruba, Kwara State.
“During the investigation, it was discovered that the case stemmed from a land dispute; parties involved were warned to maintain peace and return the following day, March 21, 2024, for further resolution.
”The situation took a violent turn when the complainant, Suleiman Sidiq, who was under the influence of intoxicating substances, became so unruly.
“All efforts and persuasion to calm him down proved abortive. He attacked the Divisional Crime Officer, ASP Okeowo Joel. In the course of intervention by the Divisional Police Officer, DSP Marufu Keji Suleiman, Sidiq brought out a jackknife, stabbed the left hand of the DPO, and inflicted severe injury on the head.
“Following the assault, Suleiman Sidiq fled the station by scaling the fence. Immediately, he was given a hot chase. Subsequently, he was apprehended and transferred to the state CID in Ilorin for a thorough investigation,” she said.
The police spokesperson further disclosed that the officer assaulted is receiving medical treatment for the injuries sustained.
Further details on the incident will be provided as the investigation progresses, she added.
