Police Arrest Key Suspect in Murder of Retired Brigadier General Udokwere in Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of retired Brigadier General Uwen Harold Udokwere, who was killed at his residence in Lokogoma, Abuja, on June 22, 2024. A high-profile suspect, Alkasim Mohammed, 18, has been arrested in connection with the assassination, alongside his alleged accomplice, Suleiman Abdullahi, 22.
The arrest was made during a coordinated operation by the Scorpion Squad at Durumi Phase 2, Abuja, according to counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, who disclosed the development on his X platform. Law enforcement officers recovered a Beretta pistol with breach number 58866 and eleven rounds of 9mm live ammunition from the suspects.
During interrogation, the duo reportedly confessed to being part of a notorious criminal gang responsible for several high-profile crimes across the FCT. They admitted to the murder of Brigadier General Udokwere, who was attacked in his home by armed robbers. The assailants reportedly gained access to the residence by scaling the fence before shooting the retired general.
In addition to the murder of Udokwere, the suspects confessed to the March 7, 2024, killing of Alhaji Auwal Abdullahi, a Bureau de Change operator, at Room 303, Rita Lori Hotel, Garki. The same pistol recovered from the suspects was allegedly used in an armed robbery targeting a Point-of-Sale (POS) operator, Miss Mercy Alo, in Jabi, where ₦700,000 was stolen. During the robbery, the gang also shot a customer, Daniel Inalegwu, in the lower thigh before fleeing the scene.
Further intelligence indicates that the gang has been involved in multiple home invasions, carjackings, and abductions within Abuja and neighboring states. Security officials have disclosed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal syndicate.
“We have strong leads on the remaining gang members, and we are working to recover more weapons they have hidden. This arrest is a major breakthrough in tackling high-profile criminal activities in the FCT,” a police source said.
The suspects are currently in police custody and are expected to be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations. The arrest marks a critical step in addressing the wave of violent crimes in the nation’s capital and restoring a sense of security among residents.
The murder of Brigadier General Udokwere, a retired military officer, had sent shockwaves across the country, highlighting the growing threat of armed criminality in Abuja. The successful arrest of the suspects has been hailed as a testament to the dedication and effectiveness of the FCT Police Command in combating crime.
As investigations continue, authorities have assured the public that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring that all members of the criminal gang are brought to justice. The recovery of weapons and the confessions of the suspects are expected to provide valuable insights into the operations of the syndicate and help prevent future crimes.
This development underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and the public in tackling criminal activities. It also serves as a reminder of the need for enhanced security measures to protect lives and property in the FCT and across Nigeria.
