Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the death of Mariam Usman, a staff member at Brains Minds Nursery and Primary School, Ugbamaka, in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State. The suspects are Ojonojima Mary, Ramatu Isiaka Eleojo, and Abdullahi Isiaka. According to the Kogi State Police Command, the incident began on 17 June 2026, when Abdullahi Isiaka assaulted Mariam Usman at her residence over her disciplinary action against his eleven-year-old son during school hours. Later that day, while she was on her way to the mosque for prayers, Ramatu Isiaka Eleojo assaulted her again.
A further attack occurred on 18 June 2026, when Ojonojima Mary, younger sister to Ramatu Isiaka Eleojo, went to Brains Minds Nursery and Primary School and assaulted the victim at her workplace. Following the assaults, Mariam Usman was first treated at Grace Clinic, Ugbamaka, before being referred to Eleojo Clinic, Okpo, for further medical attention. She died from her injuries on 25 June 2026. The investigation by the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department in Lokoja concluded that there was a prima facie case of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide against the suspects.
ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, Public Relations Officer of the Kogi State Police Command, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Wednesday, 8 July 2026. The suspects are set to be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction. Commissioner of Police CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi praised the work of the detectives involved and reiterated the police command's commitment to prosecuting perpetrators of violent crimes. He urged the public to resolve grievances through lawful means and to support police with credible information to aid crime prevention.
Ramatu Isiaka Eleojo and her sister Ojonojima Mary are accused of assaulting a teacher days after her colleague disciplined their nephew, yet the school and its management have not been questioned. The attacks unfolded across multiple locations — residence, school, and public space — exposing gaps in how institutions respond to early signs of violence. Mariam Usman was moved between two clinics before her death, raising questions about continuity of care. The police commend their detectives while the family's motive remains tied solely to a child's school punishment.
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