Nigerian Navy Officer Arrested for Allegedly Killing Ex-Naval Chief’s Son in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has apprehended AbdulRasheed Muhammad, a naval officer, in connection with the alleged murder of Aminu Ibrahim, the son of former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ishaya Ibrahim (retired). The incident took place in the Maitama area of Abuja two weeks ago.

Vice Admiral Ibrahim, who led the Nigerian Navy from August 2008 to September 2010, passed away in January 2022. His son Aminu was reportedly killed during a robbery, where his assailant also stole his Prado SUV.

Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, FCT Police Commissioner Bennett Igweh confirmed the arrest of Muhammad, who has since confessed to the crime.

“About two weeks ago, Aminu Ibrahim, the son of Vice Admiral I. I. Ibrahim (retired), was robbed and killed in Maitama, Abuja, and his Prado SUV was taken,” Igweh stated. “I want to inform you that AbdulRasheed Muhammad, a serving Nigerian Navy personnel, committed the murder. He has confessed to the crime, and we have recovered the Prado Jeep.”

Muhammad, who was assigned to the residence of the late naval chief, admitted to shooting Aminu with the intent to steal his vehicle.

“So, I followed him with my gun. Along the way, he stopped to check his ATM, as if he was going to buy something,” Muhammad recounted to journalists. “I thought maybe I was going to escort him to a market or somewhere. Then, when I came out through the other door, I shot him, took the car, and left. I’m a guard and a seaman in the navy. He did not do anything to me; I killed him to steal his car.”

In addition to Muhammad’s arrest, the FCT Police also paraded 94 members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), commonly known as Shi’ites, following the deaths of two officers in a recent clash.