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The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mr. Kayode Egbetokun yesterday in Ilorin said that, it has ordered the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) to commence thorough investigations on the circumstances that surrounding the death of a 35 year old suspect, Mr. Jimoh Abdulquadri in police detention in Ilorin last Saturday.
The deceased was reportedly killed by the police while in detention.
He was said to have been tortured to death by some policemen at the command on Saturday.
THISDAY Investigations revealed that the deceased reportedly died in police custody in questionable circumstances.
Speaking in Ilorin with journalists at the Balogun Fulani community where the deceased hailed from, the IGP said that, “I am on a sympathy visit to the bereaved family and I am pleading with the entire community especially the youths not to take law into their hands”.
He hinted that he had directed a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the youngster.
He assured that the matter would not be swept under, saying: “justice would be served.”
Lamenting the incident, the police chief recalled how Ilorin indigenes received him as the Commissioner of Police (CP) in 2020 but saddened that he had to visit the state in a sour mood.
According to him: “I am always very excited to visit Ilorin because when I was posted here in 2020, i was warmly received by the people who often prayed for me, your prayers then, still go with me, it is not an exaggeration that I claim Ilorin indigeneship.
“I am very saddened to be here today on condolence visit on the death of Jimoh whose circumstances surrounding his death is very worrisome.
“Justice must be served, I have already directed investigation, I have given necessary directive to the CP here. We will get to the root of this case,” he assuaged the tensed mood.
He however cautioned the community against rushing into conclusion but to await the findings of the investigative committee that would be made public.
He said: “Let us not jump into conclusion. I have visited the command and I have directed thorough investigation.”
Egbetokun said the Police would support the family of the deceased, “we’re ready to support the family of the deceased. We know that no amount of support will ease their pains but we’re sure that our efforts will go a long way.
“I pray that no sad story will bring me to Kwara State again,” he hoped.
Various Speakers including the Balogun Fulani, youths and the Ilorin Descendants Union demanded justice for the death of Jimoh.
THISDAY Investigations revealed that the deceased was arrested by the police operatives on December 19, 2024 for allegedly owing a fellow colleague at Olam farms in Offa, Peter, N220,000 while he reportedly died on December 20, 2024.
Jimoh, popularly called Van Da Sar’s mother, Mrs. Adijat Moriyike and elder brother, Ismail, explained that the deceased was tortured to death, urging concerned authorities to investigate the matter and arrest culprits for justice.
They alleged Police operatives of beating and breaking the head of the deceased with a hard object, with his nose oozing blood.
According to the deceased’s elder brother, he said that measures were already being taken to settle the N220,000 debt before the incident.
“My brother was said to be owing someone a sum of N220,000 and measures were being taken to settle the debt. He was arrested with his phone and N350,000 at about 5:30 pm, and 7:30 pm he died on December 20.
“We were called few hours after midnight of December 20 to come and bail him, when police said they don’t know what’s happening to my brother and that he’s been taken to hospital.
“By the time we got to the headquarters early in the morning we were told to meet them at General Hospital, Surulere, Ilorin.
“There, we saw at the mortuary that he was beaten to death with blood all over him. They said he hanged himself with cloth he was wearing inside cell. My brother is a tall person that couldn’t have killed himself inside police cell that they have.
“The person my late brother was owing money is an elder brother to a police man. The person instructed his younger brother to torture my brother.
“When we got to mortuary, we saw that his face was swollen, blood oozed from nose and bruises all over his body,” he narrated.
In its reaction, the police command, through the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the development.
“The Kwara State Police Command is aware of an unfortunate incident that led to the tragic loss of one Mr. Jimoh Abdulquadri which occurred on December 20, 2024.
“The deceased was invited on an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretence to the sum of N220,000.
“Discrete Investigations into this incident has commenced to ascertain the cause. Further developments on the outcome will be communicated as it progresses as no stone will be left unturned”, she said.
Meanwhile, Emir Sulu-Gambari expressed sadness over the demise of Tunji Abdulqodir in police custody on Saturday saying “This is a rude shock and regrettable incidence, seeing a promising young man die in such an inhumane situation.
Alhaji Sulu-Gambari commiserates with the family members, friends and associates of the deceased and urged the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to probe into the circumstance that led to the demise of Tunji AbdulQodir.
He also advised authorities of relevant security agencies to ensure strict enforcement of professionalism and compliance to global ethical practices in their daily conducts with members of the society.
Hammed Shittu
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