Operatives of the Niger State Police Command have recovered three AK-47 rifles, six magazines and 104 rounds of ammunition from a bag belonging to two men who were involved in a fatal motorcycle crash in Suleja.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night along the Boyi-Sarki/Toll Gate axis. The two riders were said to be travelling from the Tafa area of Kaduna State towards Abuja when they reportedly rammed into a road construction diversion barrier, resulting in a lone accident.
Police officers on patrol from Gawu-Babangida Division received a distress call around 9:50 p.m. and quickly proceeded to the scene. While attempting to assist the victims, a sack found in their possession was searched. Inside, officers discovered three AK-47 rifles, six magazines and 104 rounds of live ammunition.
One of the riders died instantly from injuries sustained in the crash. The second victim, who was still alive when help arrived, was allegedly attacked and killed by an angry mob that had gathered at the scene.
The spokesperson for the command, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Thursday. He disclosed that the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, strongly condemned the act of mob justice.
According to the police chief, taking the law into one’s hands has deprived investigators of the opportunity to question the suspect and determine the origin and intended use of the recovered weapons.
The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the General Hospital morgue in Suleja.
The Commissioner of Police has directed the Area Commander in Suleja to launch a comprehensive investigation into the matter and ensure those responsible for the lynching are apprehended. He also stated that the recovered rifles have been sent for ballistic examination as part of ongoing investigations.
