Police Arrest Four Suspects Over Missing NYSC Member In Rivers State
Faruq, who has been missing since October 14, 2024, was reported missing by the principal of Community Secondary School, Ikuru Town, after he failed to show up for duty.
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested four persons in relation to the mysterious disappearance of Yahya Faruq, a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), in Ikuru town, Andoni Local Government Area.
Faruq, who has been missing since October 14, 2024, was reported missing by the principal of Community Secondary School, Ikuru Town, after he failed to show up for duty.
According to the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Faruq was last seen on October 4, 2024.
He had been posted to the secondary school for his primary assignment while also working part-time at LDM Mining Company in the area.
SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police, confirmed the ongoing investigation in a statement released on Wednesday.
“The Rivers State Police Command is actively investigating the disappearance of Mr Yahaya Faruq, who has not been located for over eight days,” Iringe-Koko stated.
The case took a turn on October 15, when the school principal, Mr Anderson Awaji Ogbana, informed the Ngo Divisional Police Headquarters about Faruq’s absence from both the school and the surrounding community.
The statement read, “Upon receiving this report, the Police summoned Mr. Wen Hauiguo, the manager of LDM Mining Company, for questioning. On October 16, 2024, he was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), where he admitted to employing Mr. Faruk as a casual worker on the night shift, from 4:00 PM to midnight.
“However, Mr. Wen stated that he was unaware of Mr. Faruk’s status as a serving corps member. Further inquiries were conducted with the site manager, Mr. Lai Ding Chi, who disclosed that on the evening of October 14, 2024, between 9:00 and 10:00 PM, two unidentified individuals arrived on a motorcycle, after which Mr. Faruk left his duty post and accompanied them.
“In addition, several other individuals who worked alongside Mr. Faruk during the same shift – Joseph Godstime, Levi Stephen, Ejit-Awaji Michael, and Ishmael Jireh – have also been questioned under caution, all of whom denied any involvement in the disappearance.
Iringe-Koko explained that on October 18, 2024, the Commissioner of Police personally interviewed all parties involved.
The Command said it had adopted a multi-pronged approach, utilising advanced technology to expedite the search for Mr. Faruk.
“In addition, officers from the State CID have been directed to collaborate with the Community Development Committee (CDC) and other key stakeholders in Ikuru Town, with the aim of strengthening local efforts to locate the missing corps member.
“The CDC Chairman has assured the Police that the community is fully engaged in the search, having extended their efforts to neighbouring areas, and is optimistic that positive developments will emerge soon.
“The Rivers State Police Command remains committed to uncovering the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Mr. Yahaya Faruk, calls on his family to reach out to the Command for collaborative efforts, and urges anyone with pertinent information to assist the investigation,” Iringe-Koko added.
