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Four Suspects Arrested Over Disappearance Of NYSC Member In Rivers State
Mr Lai Ding Chi, who disclosed that on the evening of October 14, 2024, between 9:00 and 10:00 PM, two unidentified individuals arrived on a motorcycle, after which Mr Faruk left his duty post and accompanied them.
Port-Harcourt, Rivers State — The Rivers State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with the disappearance of Yahya Faruq, a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who went missing in Ikuru Town, Andoni Local Government Area.
Faruq, who was assigned to Community Secondary School in Ikuru for his primary assignment and also worked part-time at LDM Mining Company, has not been seen since October 14, 2024.
His disappearance was reported to the Ngo Divisional Police Headquarters by the school principal, Mr. Anderson Awaji Ogbana, the following day after he failed to appear for his duties.
According to the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, the last confirmed sighting of Faruq was on October 4.
SP Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the police command, confirmed the ongoing investigation in a statement released on Tuesday, October 23.
“The Rivers State Police Command is actively investigating the disappearance of Mr. Yahaya Faruq,” said Iringe-Koko. “We urge anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to come forward to assist with the investigation.”
The statement read, “Upon receiving this report, the Police summoned Mr. Wen Hauiguo, the manager of LDM Mining Company, for questioning. On October 16, 2024, he was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), where he admitted to employing Mr. Faruk as a casual worker on the night shift, from 4:00 PM to midnight.
However, Mr. Wen stated that he was unaware of Mr. Faruk’s status as a serving corps member.
Further inquiries were conducted with the site manager, Mr Lai Ding Chi, who disclosed that on the evening of October 14, 2024, between 9:00 and 10:00 PM, two unidentified individuals arrived on a motorcycle, after which Mr Faruk left his duty post and accompanied them.
“In addition, several other individuals who worked alongside Mr. Faruk during the same shift – Joseph Godstime, Levi Stephen, Ejit-Awaji Michael, and Ishmael Jireh – have also been questioned under caution, all of whom denied any involvement in the disappearance.
Iringe-Koko explained that on October 18, 2024, the Commissioner of Police personally interviewed all parties involved. The Command has adopted a multi-pronged approach, utilizing advanced technology to expedite the search for Mr. Faruk.
“In addition, officers from the State CID have been directed to collaborate with the Community Development Committee (CDC) and other key stakeholders in Ikuru Town, with the aim of strengthening local efforts to locate the missing corps member.
“The CDC Chairman has assured the Police that the community is fully engaged in the search, having extended their efforts to neighbouring areas, and is optimistic that positive developments will emerge soon.
“The Rivers State Police Command remains committed to uncovering the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Mr. Yahaya Faruk, calls on his family to reach out to the Command for collaborative efforts, and urges anyone with pertinent information to assist the investigation,” Iringe-Koko added.
