BY GODWIN IJEDIOGOR
CONTROVERSY is trailing the death of Haliru Liman (SP), who served as the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for the Wasagu Division in Kebbi State, following different accounts of circumstances that led to his killing by soldiers at a military checkpoint.
The account by an investigative journalist, Zagazola Makama, which was corroborated by the soldiers, said Liman was shot dead after evading military checkpoint and two AK-47 rifles were found in the trunk of his vehicle upon search.
But the Zamfara State Police Command spokesman, Yazid Abubakar, insisted that “SP Liman was brutally murdered by military personnel, led by one Hassan, attached to OPHD Sector 6, Dan Marke area of Bukkuyum, Zamfara State” on Wednesday morning, August 28, adding: “The circumstances surrounding this heinous crime are alarming and unacceptable.”
According to a post on X by Makama: “On August 28, 2024, at approximately 10:15am, troops from Forward Operating Base (FOB), Dan Marke, while on checkpoint duty, intercepted a vehicle suspected of being involved in terrorist logistics, traveling from the Sokoto axis.
“It was gathered that despite being signaled to stop, the driver resisted and bypassed the checkpoint, prompting the troops to pursue the vehicle. Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops alerted the community of Zugu to block the vehicle’s path.
“However, the driver continued to evade capture. Upon the troops’ arrival at Zugu, the driver attempted to escape on foot. In the process of immobilising the vehicle, the driver was shot.
“Deceased driver identified as Police personnel. Further investigation by Team 12 Command revealed that the deceased driver was SP Liman Haliru, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Danko-Wasagu.
“A thorough search of the vehicle led to the discovery of two AK-47 rifles, which had been expertly wrapped and concealed.
“Other items found in the vehicle included the driver’s personal identification card, ATM cards, a personal phone and a sum of N13,300. These items are now in the possession of the unit.”
He added: “It was further discovered that the deceased was transporting six passengers in the vehicle, comprising three males and three females. The passengers and the vehicle were subsequently moved to Team 12 Headquarters for further investigation.
“The body of SP Liman Haliru was evacuated and deposited at the morgue of Gummi General Hospital. It was later released to ASP Musa Michael, Officer in Charge of Surveillance in Gummi, representing the Commissioner of Police for Zamfara State.
“The body was then handed over to the deceased’s younger brother, Barrister Hamza Liman, Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission in Sokoto, for onward transportation to Sokoto for burial, in accordance with Islamic rites.
“The passengers who were in the vehicle were vetted and their phone call histories were reviewed. Following this, they were released to Alhaji Saleh S. Pawa, the PDP Chairman of Gummi, who assured authorities that the passengers would be made available for further investigation if required.”
But the Zamfara Police Command insisted that Liman was on an official assignment to transfer the two AK-47 rifles from Zamfara to Kebbi State.
According to Abubakar: “Liman, who was on his way to attend a monthly conference in Birnin Kebbi, was stopped by military personnel, despite identifying himself as a Police officer.
“In a shocking display of aggression, Hassan pointed his gun at Liman and shot him in the head, resulting in his instant death.
“The military’s actions are a clear violation of the rules of engagement and the principles of inter-agency cooperation. We urge the relevant authorities to take immediate action to address this egregious incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”
From the accounts, some questions beg for answers, including the laid down procedure for such an arms transfer. Only a though and unbiased investigation would uncover the full details surrounding the death of Liman .
