The Niger State Police Command has arrested a 14-year-old, Joy Afekafez over the murder of Dr Mrs Funmilola Adefolalu, a lecturer at the Federal University of Technology, FUT, Minna.
The suspect, Joy, was the housemaid of the slain lecturer.
The deceased was killed at her residence in the Gbaiko Area of Minna on Sunday.
A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, said the suspect was arrested on Monday at about 9:00 pm at a residence within the Gbeganu area of Minna for culpable homicide.
Abiodun stated that during interrogation, the suspect confessed that she served as the deceased’s housemaid for about three weeks and she was laid off due to her misdeed in the house.
He explained that after she (suspect) was laid off, she met her classmates called Walex and Smart, narrated her ordeal to them and conspired to attack the Lecturer at her residence.
The statement said, “They went to the residence on Saturday at about 4pm with a motorcycle and she surfaced at the gate, while the lecturer opened the gate for her.
“Walex and Smart later entered, beat the deceased, hit her head with a stool and stabbed her with a knife brought by Walex while Smart took another knife from the kitchen, and stabbed her severally.
“She said the deceased phone and laptop were taken away, while they also removed the battery of the vehicle parked in the compound and fled the scene.”
The PPRO further explained that on Sunday some friends and Church members visited the deceased’s residence in Gbaiko Area of Minna due to inability to get her on the phone.
Meanwhile, the Voice of Mercy Ministry, the church where the deceased was a Pastor, has expressed sadness and shock over the development.
In a statement signed by Pastor Bolaji Olanipekun, Head of Media and Communications, the church said, “This heinous act has left a profound impact on our congregation, and we are united in our resolve to seek justice for our dear pastor.”
The church called on the security agencies involved in the case to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice.
“We urge them to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, ensuring that all evidence is diligently examined and all leads are followed.
“The loss of Pastor Dr Mrs Fumilola Adefolalu has left an indelible void within our church. Her unwavering faith, compassion and dedication to serving others will always be remembered.”