Almuntada, Nigeria - Following security reports which indicated that Islamic fundamentalists in Kano State, and some followers of murdered Islamic cleric, Sheik Ja'afar Mahmud Adam were planning to cause violence, Inspector-General of Police, Mike Okiro has enjoined the people of Kano State to shun violence, keep the peace and allow the police to finish the task of finding the killers.
Disclosing that several persons purportedly alleged to have had a hand in the killing of Sheik Adam, including Governor Ibrahim Shekarau of Kano State and a senior chief in the Emir's palace, were interrogated by the police over the incident and the allegation found to be untrue, the IG said, "The police are determined to unmask the killers and bring them to justice and concerted effort is being made in that direction."
Okiro, who spoke through the Deputy Inspector-General of Police 'D' Department, Israel Ajao, on the security situation in Kano State, as a result of the death of the cleric and investigation so far, noted that, "after the murder of Sheik Ja'afar Adam was reported to the police, investigation commenced swiftly and on the 18th of April 2007, a crack police team detailed to uncover the identity of the murderers, obtained statements from eyewitnesses.
"Other relevant evidences such as expended empty shells of ammunition and copies of letters of complaints/threats to the late Sheik's life were recovered.
The Police also visited Sharada Divisional Police Headquarters, attacked by some unidentified armed men who killed two policemen and made away with some firearms and ammunition on 11th April 2007. The Police arrested seven suspects including a Nigerien as prime suspect in respect of the murder case."
Continuing the IG said, "After a painstaking investigation, the following facts emerged: that Sheik Adam was attacked and killed at about 0530hrs of April 13th, 2007 by gunmen at Juma'at Mosque, Almuntada, Kano while leading the morning prayer; that during the attack on the late Sheik, one Jamilu, (male) was killed, while Abdullahi Abubakar and Mallam Hamisu Monsur sustained bullet wounds."