Police arrest Shiite member for allegedly bribing officers

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested a member of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, popularly known as Shiite, Shuaibu Dass, for attempting to bribe detectives with N1.5 million to secure the release of its member, Abdul Kareem Ahmed.

The police disclosed that Ahmed is a strong member and one of the financiers of the proscribed group.

Parading the duo at the command on Monday, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Bennett Igweh said Ahmed was arrested by the operatives of the State Intelligence Department in connection with the murder of two police officers during their procession.

The Police claimed the Shiite members attacked its men, which led to the death of two police officers and the destruction of three patrol vehicles.

The police subsequently arrested 97 Shiite members in connection with the incident and kept them in their net.

But the leader of the Shiite group, Prof. Isah-Hassan Mshelgaru, distanced his members from the death and destruction of police vehicles.

Igweh stated that the two suspects would soon be charged in court.

“Both suspects are linked to the murder of two Police officers and causing grievous hurt to three others who were posted to Wuse market junction on the 25th of August 2024. Both suspects are currently in custody undergoing interrogation and will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations,” Igweh said.

Igweh said that the police are also going after other sponsors of the group.

He said, “We have a focus, we have intel, we have a lead that we are following. Don’t worry, we are going to get all of them. I told you we are out for them.”

Speaking to newsmen, Dass said he brought the money to secure the release of his cousin.

He said, “I brought money to secure the release of my cousin, Mohammed. What happened was that one day, his family called to inform me that he had been arrested, and they didn’t know where he was.”

Mohammed, who confessed to being a member of Shi’ite, said he warned his brother against securing his bail.