The Kogi State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the death of Mariam Usman, a teacher who allegedly died after being assaulted by relatives of a pupil she disciplined.

The Guardian recalls that Usman, a staff member of Brains Minds Nursery and Primary School, Ugbamaka, in Olamaboro Local Government Area, died on June 25 after allegedly sustaining injuries from separate assaults linked to the punishment of an 11-year-old pupil.

Confirming the arrests on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, said detectives from the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) conducted a thorough investigation that led to the arrest of three suspects.

According to the police, investigations revealed that the first attack occurred on June 17, when Abdullahi Isiaka allegedly assaulted the deceased at her residence over disciplinary measures she had taken against his son during school hours.

The police further alleged that later the same day, Ramatu Isiaka Eleojo attacked the teacher while she was on her way to a mosque for prayers.

According to the statement, a third suspect, Ojonojima Mary, who is said to be the younger sister of Ramatu Isiaka Eleojo, allegedly stormed Brains Minds Nursery and Primary School on June 18 and assaulted the teacher at her workplace.

The command said Usman was initially treated at Grace Clinic, Ugbamaka, before she was referred to Eleojo Clinic, Okpo, where she later died from injuries allegedly sustained during the attacks.

The police said investigations established a prima facie case of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide against the three suspects—Ojonojima Mary, Ramatu Isiaka Eleojo and Abdullahi Isiaka.

“The investigation has been concluded and the suspects will be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction to face prosecution,” the statement said.

Commending the detectives for their professionalism, the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring justice for victims of violent crimes.

He urged residents to avoid taking the law into their own hands and instead seek lawful means of resolving disputes, while encouraging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support crime prevention and effective policing across the state.