IGP Wades Into Death Of 35 Years Old Man Hours After Arrest

By Ayodele Oni

The Kwara State Police Command has initiated an investigation into the sudden death of a 35-year-old man, Jimoh Abdulquadri, who died in custody in Ilorin last  Friday.

Jimoh, a native of the Balogun Fulani community in Erubu/Asunnara, Ilorin, was reportedly arrested on December 19 for allegedly owing N220,000 to an individual identified as Peter. His death occurred less than 48 hours after his arrest and detention.

Family members of the deceased, including his mother, Mrs. Adijat Moriyike, and elder brother, Ismail, allege that Jimoh, popularly known as “Van de Sar,” was tortured to death as they claim his body showed signs of physical assault, with blood reportedly oozing from his nose and visible bruises.

According to Ismail, the family had already begun making arrangements to settle the debt before the tragic incident.

“My brother was arrested at around 5:30 pm on December 19 with his phone and N350,000 in cash. By 7:30 pm the next day, he was dead.

“We were called after midnight to come and bail him, but when we arrived at the police headquarters, they directed us to the General Hospital, Surulere, where we found his body in the mortuary.”

He further alleged that Jimoh’s injuries, including a swollen face and blood-stained body, contradicted police claims that he hanged himself in his cell.

The family believes Jimoh’s alleged creditor, an elder brother of a police officer, had influenced the handling of the case.

“The creditor instructed his younger brother, who is a police officer, to torture my brother. The evidence on his body shows he was beaten to death.”

Responding to the incident, the Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed Jimoh’s death and stated that investigations were underway.

“The Kwara State Police Command is aware of the unfortunate incident that led to the tragic loss of Mr. Jimoh Abdulquadri on December 20, 2024. He was invited on an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretence to the sum of N220,000.

Discreet investigations into this incident have commenced to ascertain the cause. Further developments will be communicated as the investigation progresses.”

The family, however, has expressed concerns over a potential cover-up and urged relevant authorities to ensure a transparent investigation.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) to take over the investigation into the death of Jimoh Abdulquadri, who passed away while in police detention in Kwara State on Friday, December 20, 2024.

In a demonstration of his commitment to justice and accountability, the IGP visited Kwara State on Sunday to meet with the bereaved family of the deceased.

He was received by the Balogun Fulani of Ilorin, Alhaji Sadiq Atiku Fulani, who spoke on behalf of the family.

“The IGP expressed his profound condolences to the family and assured them that no stone would be left unturned in uncovering the circumstances that led to this tragic incident,” said ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer.

“The IGP has instructed the FCID to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter.

“He further reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of accountability, professionalism, and respect for human rights.

“While reiterating the Force’s zero-tolerance stance on unprofessional conduct among its personnel, the IGP called on all stakeholders to remain calm and allow the due process in handling the issue.”