By Gideon Njoku
There is palpable anger over the death of a Police Cadet at the Police Academy, Wudil, Kano.
The Cadet, Suleiman Jika, a100 level Computer Science student from Adamawa State died on Saturday after what was described as unexpected by the Academy.
However, Jika’s death has sparked off controversy and anger. His colleagues are very angry.
While the authorities of the Academy did not disclose the cause of his death, but claimed that he died, unexpectedly, after he had been given due treatment, Jika’s colleagues and some staff who spoke to Reporters on anonymously for fear of victimisation, insist the youngster died of starvation and negligence at the Academy’s Clinic.
In a statement confirming his death, signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Academy, Hussain Suleiman, an ASP, the Academy said Jika’s death was “unexpected” and extended its deep condolences to his family.
The statement issued on Sunday disclosed that Jika sought medical attention on 29th August 2023, at the Academy’s Clinic. The ill-health for which he sought the attention was not disclosed in the statement.
But according to ASP Suleman, “following a diligent course of treatment and the cadet’s gradual recovery, he was certified fit and discharged by the medical doctor on call the next day, and asked to return at regular intervals for checks, which he adhered to.
“However, fate took an unforeseen turn. On 2nd September 2023, he was once again admitted to the clinic for further examination and care following a complaint of restlessness.
“Though his vitals were normal upon examination and all necessary medical steps were taken, we regrettably report his untimely passing.”
The statement said that the Commandant of the Police Academy, AIG Sadiq Idris Abubakar, has extended “his deepest condolences to the grieving family, friends and loved ones of Cadet Sulaiman Jika.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this period of profound sorrow. May God Almighty grant them the strength and resilience to bear this heavy loss,” the Commandant was quoted as saying.
But a number of Jika’s colleagues blamed the Commandant and the “ill equipped Clinic” for Jika’s death. They allege that Jika’s ill-health was caused by starvation. Their food, they said, is very poor, aside from not being enough for them. In addition to their being starved, they, also, claimed that the manner of their training and the number of times and periods they are forced to do so is heartlessly excruciating. They blamed the situation for the number of Cadets who fall ill.
They, also, alleged that the leadership of the Academy is fond of expelling Cadets for falling ill, a situation which forces the Cadets to cover-up when they fall ill, and carry on with the excruciating training. This medium was not able to independently confirm these serious allegations.
The Police Academy, Wudil, Kano, is a degree awarding Institution. Tuition and feeding and accommodation are free.
Aside from acquiring a University degree, the Cadets, on completion of their Courses of choice and training, are decorated with the rank of ASPs.
