Investigations by a joint task force in Kogi State have unravelled how one Newman Aruwa Sani, led a kidnapping squad that murdered the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman, Alhaji Yunusa Onu Ishaq, in Dekina Local Government Area of the state.
In a video trending on social media, Mr Newman Aruwa Sani, described as a notorious kidnapper, confessed to leading the gang that killed Alhaji Ishaq along the Itobe-Anyigba expressway on 27th August 2026.
He said the gang saw no option but to kill the late chairman because he recognised them during the operation.
He further admitted that he and his accomplices had carried out several attacks along the same route, armed with pistols, locally made guns, pump-action guns, magazines, machetes and axes.
Zeberu Abdullahi, identified as a member of the syndicate terrorising residents of Kogi East, named other members of the gang.
They include Alhassan Ofetele, Ocheni Ofetele, Sumallah Atayaji, Momodu Amodu, Safino Idris and Onuche Auwa, all from Aloji. Others are Agada from Ojodu, Mustapha from Idah, and Otuba Alaba and Etuh, both from Emu-Ejule.
Reactions online also allege that Mr Newman Aruwa Sani and some members of his gang attended Alhaji Ishaq’s burial and eighth-day prayers in Anyigba, where they were said to have appeared more grief-stricken than the bereaved family.
The gang was reportedly apprehended during the task force’s latest operation on 27th September 2026, exactly one month after the murder, while allegedly attempting a similar crime.
OurWorldGistnews, gathered that the killing of Alhaji Ishaq is believed to be one of many attributed to the group.
As of the time of filing this report, OurWorldGistnews also learnt that the kidnappers were being held at the Police Headquarters in Lokoja, where they were answering further questions as investigations continue.
