Friends of Mubarak Yusuf, 27years old media personality and student of Nasarawa state University has availed details of the events leading to his death, noting that insinuations in some quarters that he was killed in a cult related clash is incorrect.
The statement by friends of the deceased reads, “While we are deeply shattered and devastated by the death of our friend, Yusuf Mubarak, who was a victim of the prevalent insecurity challenges that is becoming a part of our daily lives, we, as friends and lovers of the deceased wish to clarify some misinformation about the circumstances surrounding the death of our friend, Mubarak.
“Yusuf Mubarak’s tragic demise is recounted as follows:
“Mubarak’s absence was first noted in the early hours of Thursday, September 14, 2023, prompting concern among his family and friends. His last known whereabouts were at the police headquarters, accompanying his superior, Hajia Modibbo Kawu to visit some detained journalist, on the preceding Wednesday evening. After leaving the police headquarters, Mubarak went with Hajia Modibbo-Kawu to her GRA residence, from where he took a commercial bike to head home.
“The case was promptly reported to the police headquarters on that same Thursday. Subsequently, radio announcements and social media broadcasts were initiated to aid in locating him.
“Regrettably, the news of Mubarak’s lifeless body being found broke on the following Saturday. Unfortunately, it was few hours after the special prayer held by his friends and associates in expectation for his safe return at Old-Central Mosque, Idi-Ape, Ilorin. Meanwhile, his remains were entrusted to the Omosebi Mortuary in Ilorin.
“On that same Saturday, Mubarak’s body was retrieved and laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites.
“Addressing the speculations surrounding his passing, it is imperative to clarify the circumstances:
a. Mubarak did not stay out late, and the incident occurred slightly after 10 pm, not at midnight.
b. Contrary to rumors, it was not a cult-related clash but an armed robbery.
c. Mubarak did not hail an unknown individual for a ride; rather, he engaged a commercial Okada rider for a prearranged fee of 1,200 naira. Unfortunately, they encountered armed robbers who had ambushed passersby along Unity Road, near the United Secondary School fence.
d. Remarkably, the Okada rider survived the ordeal but sustained severe head injuries and is currently undergoing treatment.
e. The armed robbers confiscated their phones and other possessions after assaulting them with a firearm.
f. In his attempt to escape, Mubarak was tragically shot in the head.
g. Another individual, known as a DJ, happened upon the scene while riding his bike and was also shot after the robbers confiscated his belongings.
h. The armed robbers fled the scene with their stolen phones and both motorcycles.
“In conclusion, it is crucial to emphasize that Yusuf Mubarak was neither affiliated with any cult group nor involved in any cult-related confrontation. His shocking demise resulted from a harrowing armed robbery incident”, the statement added.
