A kidnap suspect, David Moses, has confessed to the killing of a 55-year-old school nurse, Mrs. Chinyere Anaene, and a 14-month-old toddler, Nanenter Yese, at Clear Hope Foundation Academy in Dawaki, Abuja. Moses, a security guard deployed to the school, alleged that he was pushed to the crime by an accomplice named Sunday Irimiya, who is currently at large. According to Moses, the two of them lured Anaene and Yese out of the school and eventually killed them after collecting a N3m ransom. The incident occurred on July 23, 2025, and the police launched an investigation, leading to Moses’ arrest.
Moses revealed that he and Sunday had planned to kidnap the victims for ransom, initially demanding N250m before settling for N3m. However, the situation took a violent turn when Sunday stabbed Moses during a dispute over the ransom money. Moses claimed that Sunday took the money and ran away, leaving him to struggle and seek help. He was later taken to the hospital by the police, where he received treatment and confessed to the crime. Moses also detailed how the school nurse was killed, stating that Sunday strangled her with a rope in a toilet, and how the child was later abducted and killed at Sunday’s insistence.
The security company that employed Moses has distanced itself from the crime, claiming that they were not aware of any issues with Moses’ employment. However, the company’s representative, Zachariah Fiyinfoluwa, admitted that they failed to properly document Moses’ employment, including failing to keep his guarantor’s information. Fiyinfoluwa also acknowledged that the company did not confirm if supervisors had visited the deployment site at Clear Hope School.
The FCT Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, stated that the victims were reported missing on July 23, 2025, and a ransom of N250m was demanded via the caregiver’s phone. Following an investigation, the police arrested Moses, who confessed to conspiring with Sunday to carry out the crime. The police have also arrested the school principal, two other security guards, and the Chief Security Officer of the private security company that deployed Moses to the school.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of private schools in Abuja, and the need for proper vetting and supervision of security personnel deployed to such institutions. The police are continuing their investigation and efforts to apprehend Sunday Irimiya, who is currently at large. The case highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and security of individuals, particularly children, in educational institutions.
