The police in Bauchi State have arrested one Atim Emmanuel, a 23-year-old 300-level student of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Bauchi, for alleged possession of a rifle.
Emmanuel was reportedly arrested on December 11, while coming out of the university campus.
Spokesperson of the police command, SP Ahmed Wakil, said the suspect admitted during interrogation that he acquired the firearm from one Zadog, who leased it to him for two academic semesters at the cost of N120,000.
The police further revealed that the suspect said he acquired the rifle for personal protection and security against potential criminal threats.
The police statement read: “CP Auwal Mohammed Musa psc, the Commissioner of Police Bauchi State has directed that the suspect be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a discreet investigation to unravel more circumstances behind his motives for acquiring the firearm and to determine whether he has killed anyone with it after which he will be charged to court upon completion of discreet investigation.
“Finally, the Command calls on parents, guardians, and leaders wielding various degrees of influence to prevail on their children and wards to guard against being used as cannon-fodders in disrupting the relative peace and tranquility enjoyed in the State.”