Niger State Police Arrest Soldier for Robbery and Assault on Businessman

Private Sadiq Sani, a soldier, was arrested by Niger State Police for allegedly assaulting and robbing businessman Abdulrahman Salihu on Eid-el-Fitr. Sani is accused of inflicting severe injuries with a knife. He is presently under investigation and will face a court-martial and police prosecution for his actions.

The Niger State Police have apprehended Private Sadiq Sani, a soldier, accused of armed robbery and assault against businessman Abdulrahman Salihu. The incident occurred on Eid-el-Fitr when Sani visited Salihu’s shop to purchase shirts, but subsequently requested the shop owner’s account details to make a purported e-money transfer.

Initially, Sani allegedly sent a fraudulent transaction alert, raising Salihu’s suspicions. When Salihu asked to receive the money first, Sani, known for his criminal tendencies, produced a knife and inflicted severe injuries, including cutting off Salihu’s arm, before fleeing to his residence in Limawa, Minna.

Police officers from the Central Divisional Police Command later located Sani at his home. During his arrest, he reportedly resisted, engaging in a physical confrontation with the police, who ultimately subdued and detained him. The military police in Minna were informed, leading to Captain U.S. Ibrahim of the 313 Brigade being assigned to investigate the incident thoroughly.

Captain Ibrahim stated that Sani would be taken to the defense headquarters for a court-martial process, resulting in his dismissal before returning him to the police for prosecution. The spokesman of the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident, revealing that Sani and an accomplice have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further action. Abiodun elaborated that Salihu sustained severe injuries, including three fingers being severed during the altercation, prompting immediate medical attention and police involvement.

The serious allegations against Private Sadiq Sani highlight the intersection of criminal behavior and military personnel. Following his alleged assault on Abdulrahman Salihu, Sani’s case has been escalated to military authorities for appropriate disciplinary actions, alongside criminal proceedings by the police. This situation underscores the imperative for accountability, regardless of one’s position or affiliation, within the Nigerian society.

Original Source: punchng.com