The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has apprehended a school security guard, David Moses, in connection with the brutal murder of a caregiver and a toddler at a private school in Dawaki, Abuja.
FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Adewale Saka Ajao, revealed the arrest during a press briefing on Friday, describing the case as “heart-wrenching” and emphasizing the need for urgent reforms in the vetting of school security personnel.
The victims — 55-year-old school nurse and caregiver, Chinyere Anaene, and 14-month-old Nanenter Asher Yese — were declared missing on July 23, 2025, from Clear Hope Foundation Academy.
“The same day, Anaene’s husband received a distressing ransom call from her mobile phone, demanding ₦250 million for their release.
“In response, the FCT Police Command activated its Anti-Kidnapping Unit, which commenced digital tracking operations”, he stated.
Adewale further disclosed that these efforts led investigators to Yelwa and Uke villages in Nasarawa State, where a series of intelligence-driven searches eventually exposed a horrifying betrayal from within the school.
“On July 29, David Moses, a security guard at the school and initially treated as a possible victim, was arrested. Under interrogation, he confessed to masterminding the crime alongside his best friend, one Sunday Irimiya, who remains at large,” Adewale said.
According to the confession, the duo lured Anaene into the school’s bathroom, where Irimiya was hiding.
“They struck her on the head and strangled her to death. Moses then proceeded to a classroom, picked up baby Nanenter, and also strangled the child.
“Both bodies were stuffed into a sack and smuggled out of the school premises in a scavenger’s cart, later dumped in a canal”, the CP reported.
Shockingly, even after the victims had been murdered, the suspects made a false ransom demand of ₦3 million from the caregiver’s family, pretending the victims were still alive.
A disagreement over the ransom-sharing later led Irimiya to stab Moses in an attempt to eliminate him and flee with the entire money.
The police further disclosed that Moses, injured, fled and ran into police operatives combing the area, which led to his arrest.
“He subsequently led investigators to the canal, where the decomposing remains of the victims were recovered,” the CP said.
The police also arrested the school’s principal, two other security guards who were meant to be on duty with Moses, and the Chief Security Officer of the private security firm responsible for deploying guards to the school.
“This incident painfully underscores the critical need for schools and institutions to properly vet all security personnel in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force,” the CP stated.
CP Adewale extended the command’s condolences to the bereaved families, assuring them of justice.
“We understand that no words can capture the pain of this tragedy, but we stand with you in your grief and are resolute in ensuring that justice is done,” he noted.
The police said they have intensified efforts to apprehend the fleeing accomplice, Sunday Irimiya, and called on residents of the FCT and surrounding communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
The suspect narrated to newsmen how they used rope to snuff life out of the baby and caregiver.
Both the principal, the school owner and the chief security officer of the security company guarding the school are currently in police custody.
