The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) member over the blast near the Palace of Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in Okene, Kogi State.
The Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) attack occurred on 29th December during the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to commission some projects.
A statement on Wednesday by the Public Relations Officer, Peter Afunanya named Abdulmumin Ibrahim Otaru (a.k.a. Abu Mikdad) as the mastermind.
Otaru, described as “a high commander” of the terrorist organisation, either coordinated or was involved in several other attacks.
The DSS mentioned the 24th June, 2022, attack on Police Area Command in Eika-Ohizenyi, Okehi LGA of Kogi. Inspector Idris Musa was killed and two AK-47 rifles carted away.
Otaru participated in the 5th July, 2022 breach of the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje Area Council, Abuja.