The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the death of an 18-year-old murder suspect, Fatiyah Abdulhakeem, while in custody. The young suspect was accused of being involved in the murder of retired Permanent Secretary Adamu Jagaba.
According to reports from Daily Trust, Abdulhakeem passed away on Thursday, though the exact cause of his death remains unclear.
The Incident
Before his death, Abdulhakeem had been publicly paraded as the primary suspect in the gruesome killing of Jagaba, who was attacked and fatally stabbed at his block industry near the PDP Secretariat in Minna. In his confession, the suspect alleged that employees of the deceased had contracted him to commit the crime.
Police Statement on Abdulhakeem’s Death
In an official statement, SP Wasiu Abiodun, spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, revealed that Abdulhakeem complained of severe stomach pains and a persistent cough before his death.
“On December 19, 2024, at around 5 PM, the suspect, Fatiyah Abdulhakeem, complained of severe stomach pains and a cough. He was immediately taken to the general hospital in Minna for medical attention but unfortunately passed away while receiving treatment,” Abiodun said.
The body has been deposited at the hospital morgue, and a post-mortem examination is pending to determine the exact cause of death.
Similar Case in Kwara State
In a separate incident, a 35-year-old man, Jimoh Abdulquadri, also died in police custody in Kwara State. The state’s police command confirmed the development, adding that a thorough investigation is underway.
Abdulquadri, a resident of the Balogun Fulani community in Ilorin, was reportedly arrested on December 19, 2024, over an alleged debt of ₦220,000. Shockingly, he passed away the following day.
Family’s Allegations
Family members of Abdulquadri, including his mother, Mrs. Adijat Moriyike, and elder brother, Ismail, have accused the police of torturing him to death. They claimed he sustained severe injuries, including a head wound, and alleged blood was seen flowing from his nose.
Raising Questions
These back-to-back incidents of suspects dying in police custody highlight growing concerns about police conduct and detainee welfare in Nigeria. Authorities must ensure transparency in their investigations to rebuild public trust and accountability in the justice system.
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