A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ismail Dabo Haruna, has expressed deep sorrow over the kidnapping and brutal murder of his legislative aide, Nimah Sulaiman, by suspected one-chance criminals in Abuja.
This tragic incident occurred on October 17, 2024, as Nimah was returning home.
Hon. Haruna, who represents the Toro federal constituency of Bauchi State, moved a motion at plenary on October 22 to address the issue.
He revealed that Nimah was abducted on her way home to Jahi District around 6:15 PM.
“She was taken at gunpoint at Bannex Junction in Wuse 2 by one-chance operators,” he said, visibly shaken.
Despite the payment of ransom for her release, Nimah’s life was cut short.
Her lifeless body was discovered between 9 to 10 PM at Maitama/Minister’s Hill Bridge.
“This heinous crime has sent shockwaves through our community,” Haruna added.
He emphasized that this incident confirms the escalating insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“The residents of Abuja are living in fear as the security situation continues to deteriorate,” he lamented.
The lawmaker stressed the need for immediate action to protect citizens from such brutal criminals.
“It is our collective responsibility as lawmakers to ensure the safety and security of our citizens,” he stated.
Haruna’s motion drew the attention of his colleagues to the alarming rise in kidnappings and robbery incidents in the nation’s capital.
One-chance criminals have been a particular concern, as they pose a serious threat to commuters.
This type of crime involves criminals posing as taxi operators, targeting unsuspecting passengers.
The lawmaker noted that this pattern of crime has become increasingly common in Abuja.
“We cannot allow this trend to continue unchecked,” he asserted.
The House of Representatives responded to Haruna’s motion by calling on its Committees on Police, FCT, and National Intelligence.
They were tasked with conducting a comprehensive investigation into Nimah’s murder.
The committees were also asked to liaise with key stakeholders, including the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The FCT Commissioner of Police and the FCT Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) have also been summoned to address the rising insecurity.
“This crime cannot go unpunished,” Haruna said, demanding accountability.
He called for a thorough investigation into the widespread use of unregistered and unpainted taxis in Abuja.
These taxis have been linked to many criminal activities in the city.
The House has mandated its committee on FCT to recommend measures to regulate taxi operations.
The tragic fate of Nimah Sulaiman has raised serious concerns about public safety in Abuja.
Many citizens are now questioning the effectiveness of security measures in the capital.
Many citizens feel helpless in the face of rampant crime and violence.
The government has been criticized for failing to provide adequate protection for its citizens.
“It’s painful that we have to negotiate with kidnappers to save lives,” said an anonymous commenter on social media.
Calls for stronger action against kidnappers have intensified.
Some citizens believe that the current punishments are not enough to deter criminals.
“Just make it the death sentence and see whether it will stop automatically,” suggested another commenter.
As lawmakers respond to this tragedy, the focus should remain on finding solutions to combat crime.
“We need to ensure that this does not happen again,” Haruna said.