NSCDC officers arrested as police probe Pastor Agada’s death and trace over N2bn to a suspect’s bank account amid foul play allegations

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested three officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Mining Marshals unit in connection with the controversial death of Deputy Superintendent of Corps Agada Levi Agada, an NSCDC officer and pastor, during an operation in Nasarawa State.

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The arrests followed an ongoing investigation by the Force Intelligence Department into the circumstances surrounding Agada’s death after a petition was filed by the deceased’s family through their lawyer, Nwabueze Obasi-Obi of Maikyau & Co. Legal Practitioners.

Agada was shot while on duty during an operation at Rafin Gabas in the Agwada area of Nasarawa State. The incident has generated conflicting accounts from within the NSCDC and prompted allegations of foul play from family members.

Police sources identified the arrested officers as Simeon Yakubu Anyebe, Ibrahim Ayefu and ASC Iwodi Obochi, all attached to the NSCDC Mining Marshals unit.

According to senior police sources, the Force Intelligence Department also traced more than N2 billion through a Zenith Bank account allegedly linked to Sergeant Jibril Labaran, another member of the Mining Marshals unit under investigation.

A police source said investigators had tracked transfers and receipts involving the account and were examining transactions connected to other suspects in the case.

The investigation expanded after several NSCDC Mining Marshals personnel, including Commander of the unit, ACC Attah John Onoja, reportedly failed to honour invitations issued by police investigators for questioning.

Other officers invited by the Force Intelligence Department included Superintendent Atabo, ASC 1 Jimoh Abdulrahman, ASC 2 Usman, popularly known as Dogo, Inspector Habila, also known as K9, Ojo Toluwatope Alex, ASC II Salisu Nda Mohammed, ASC II Yusuf Attahiru, Amos Yowu, Mustapha Mohammed and others.

Police sources disclosed that the three suspects were apprehended during a covert operation at a correctional facility where they had reportedly gone to visit an individual already remanded in connection with Agada’s death.

According to one source, correctional officials alerted police operatives after the suspects made enquiries about the remanded individual, leading to their arrest.

Investigators said the arrested officers had provided useful information regarding the events that preceded the fatal shooting.

The case has also exposed tensions between the police and the NSCDC. A senior source alleged that attempts were made by some NSCDC officials to have the matter handled internally rather than by the police, a move investigators viewed as capable of undermining the probe.

Police authorities have reportedly urged NSCDC Commandant General Ahmed Abubakar Audi to make other persons of interest available for questioning as investigations continue.

In their petition, Agada’s family called on the Inspector-General of Police, the National Assembly and the National Human Rights Commission to conduct a thorough and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the officer’s death.

The family alleged possible criminal conspiracy, unlawful killing and violation of the deceased’s right to life, while demanding accountability from those responsible.

Paul Levi Agada, the deceased’s brother, said relatives received contradictory explanations from the NSCDC regarding how Agada died.

According to him, one version claimed bandits attacked the team, killing several officers and leaving Agada injured before he later died in hospital.

Another account reportedly stated that Agada was the only casualty while other officers involved were detained.

The family said the inconsistencies raised serious concerns and strengthened calls for an independent investigation.

A significant development emerged from medical information cited in the petition.

The family claimed that doctors at the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, were informed by officers who brought Agada to the hospital that the fatal gunshot wound resulted from an accidental discharge from the firearm of another NSCDC officer.

The petition quoted information allegedly provided by Dr Kuza Philemon of the hospital, who was said to have been shown the firearm before treatment commenced.

Despite efforts by medical personnel to save him, Agada died from the gunshot injury. However, the petition noted discrepancies in official records relating to the exact date of death.

The family argued that the conflicting narratives and medical information strongly suggested a possible attempt to conceal the true circumstances surrounding what they described as a suspected culpable homicide.

Further concerns were raised over the handling of Agada’s remains, transportation arrangements and burial procedures.

The petition also revealed that the family received N3 million after the burial through Simeon Anyebe, who allegedly stated that the funds were burial support sent on the instruction of ACC Onoja.

While the payment was presented as assistance, the family said the circumstances surrounding the transfer have become part of the broader investigation.

Another contentious issue involves two mobile phones belonging to the deceased. The family alleged that the devices remain in the custody of the Mining Marshals despite repeated requests for their release.

According to the petition, several assurances were allegedly given that the phones would be returned, but they have yet to be handed over to the family.

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The investigation into Agada’s death remains ongoing as police continue efforts to question additional officers linked to the operation and establish the precise circumstances that led to the pastor’s death.