Breaking: Police Arrest Prison Escapee Connected To High-Profile General’s Murder

In a significant development, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police have arrested Hashiru Baku, the alleged mastermind behind the murder of Brigadier General Harold Udokwere. Baku, an escapee from Kuje Correctional Centre, was captured in Kano while attempting to flee the country.

General Udokwere, who served as the national chairman of Retired Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, was killed during a home invasion on June 22, 2024, when armed robbers raided his residence and stole his firearm.

On June 24, 2024, the police arrested and paraded four suspects: Ibrahim Rabiu, Nafiu Jamil, Aliyu Abdullahi, and Mohammed Nuhu, in connection with the case.

FCT Commissioner of Police Bennett Igweh announced Baku’s arrest during a press conference on Monday, July 22. Igweh disclosed that Baku had been evading capture since escaping from the Kuje Correctional Centre.

“I did show you the four killers, kidnappers, and robbers that went and killed Brigadier-General Uwe Harrod, retired. Today, I will show you the organiser of the killing and the robbery. We have recovered the general’s gun that was with him. We have recovered the wristwatch of the general and the wife’s jewellery which they stole from the general’s house. The organiser is here and we have arrested him. He is the organiser. He was in prison and during the Kuje Correctional Centre attack, he escaped,” Igweh stated.

Igweh further detailed the suspect’s continued criminal activities post-escape, mentioning the recovery of drugs from Baku’s residence.

“Instead of him to repent, he continued with more audacity. We arrested him in Kano where he was trying to exit the country. We recovered these drugs in his residence. So, that’s what they take and they will continue to be high,” Igweh added.

In a related incident, Legit.ng reported that gunmen ambushed and killed the traditional ruler of Chanchangi in Takum local government area (LGA) of Taraba state, Alhaji Tanimu Kunbiya, on July 19. The attack occurred as the ruler and his son were returning from a funeral service in Takum.