Chisom Umejiaku
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has uncovered a shocking case of betrayal and murder at Clear Hope Foundation Academy, Dawaki, Abuja, where a 14-month-old pupil and a school nurse were brutally killed after their abductors collected ₦3 million in ransom.
On Friday, August 1, police announced the arrest of the school’s principal, three security guards, and the chief security officer of a private security firm following confessions that exposed the grisly crime.
How It Happened
According to FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, the victims—Chinyere Anaene, 55, a caregiver and nurse, and baby Nanenter Asher Yese—were reported missing on July 23 after leaving for school and failing to return.
Shortly after their disappearance, a ransom demand of ₦250 million was made to the nurse’s husband. Negotiations continued until the kidnappers settled for ₦3 million, assuring the family that the victims were alive.
Investigations later revealed that both victims were murdered shortly after their abduction. In a chilling confession, security guard David Moses admitted luring Chinyere into the school restroom, where an accomplice—identified as Sunday Irimiya, now on the run—strangled her. The toddler was later killed inside a classroom.
The suspects stuffed both bodies in a sack and dumped them in a canal behind the school premises.
The Breakthrough
Police cracked the case after a dispute among the suspects over sharing the ransom. Irimiya allegedly stabbed Moses during the quarrel. While seeking medical attention, Moses confessed, leading detectives to the decomposing remains.
Arrests and Manhunt
Those in custody include:
The school principal, David Moses, who confessed to the killing; two other security guards, the chief security officer of the private security company that deployed the guards.
READ ALSO: FCT Police Nab Notorious Kidnappers Linked to Deadly Abuja Abductions
A manhunt has been launched for Irimiya, who remains at large.
Police React
“This incident is heartbreaking and exposes serious lapses in school security,” CP Igweh said.
“We will leave no stone unturned to ensure justice is served.”
He appealed to the public to provide any information that could aid the arrest of the fleeing suspect.
Nationwide Outrage
The heinous killings have sparked widespread anger, with renewed calls for:
Strict regulation of private schools
Mandatory background checks for non-teaching staff
Stronger security measures to protect pupils
The FCT Police Command has extended condolences to the bereaved families and assured the public of its commitment to ensuring justice.