Death Of Kwara Resident In Police Custody Sparks Outrage… IGP Egbetokun Visits Bereaved Family In Ilorin, Promises Thorough Investigation

The death of Mr. Jimoh Abdulquadri in police custody in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on December 20, 2024, has sparked outrage among the citizens.

It was gathered that Jimoh was arrested by cops on December 19, 2024, in respect of the N220,000 debt he allegedly owed a man,  Mr Peter .

 The deceased person’s  mother,  Mrs. Adijat Moriyike, who is  popularly called Van Der Sar, and his elder brother, Ismail, alleged that Jimoh was tortured to death while urging relevant authorities to investigate the matter and ensure that justice is served. 

They alleged that the cops hit Jimoh ‘s  head with an object which made blood to ooze out from his nose.

Ismail also said steps were already being taken to settle the N220,000 debt before the death of 35-year-old Jimoh Abdulquadri in police custody.

‘My brother was said to be owing someone the sum of N220,000 and steps were being taken to settle the debt. He was arrested and made to part with his phone and N350,000 at about 5:30 pm and he died on December 20. 

We were called a 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 was being taken to the hospital. By the time we got to the headquarters early in the morning we were told to meet them at the 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 who 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 the mortuary, we saw that his face was swollen, blood oozed out from his nose and there were bruises all over his body’ he narrated. 

In the meanwhile, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun has directed the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) to immediately take over investigation into the incident.

The IGP, who was accompanied by senior  police officers from the state and Abuja, paid condolence visit to the Jimoh family in Ilorin on Sunday.

The IGP, who was received by the Balogun Fulani of Ilorin, Alhaji Abubakar Sidiq Atiku, assured the family of the deceased person and the people of Ilorin that report of the investigation would be made public. 

‘I’ve already directed investigation into this incident. I’ve visited the police command, I’ve seen the cell where he was kept before the sudden report of his death. I’ve given necessary directives to the commissioner of police. And we are going to get to the root of this matter. I assure you that we’ll find out the truth about his death and we’ll make it public’ he said.

Team@orientactualmags.com learned that Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi has also issued a statement  to  confirm the police chief’s directive  that the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) should immediately take over  investigation into the unfortunate death of Jimoh Abdulqaudri.

‘In a show of commitment to justice and accountability, the IGP visited Kwara State today, Sunday , December 22, 2024, where he met with the family of the deceased person. The IGP was received by the Balogun Fulani of Ilorin, Alhaji Sadiq Atiku Fulani, who spoke on behalf of the family. During the meeting, the IGP expressed his profound condolences and assured the family that no stone would be left unturned in uncovering the circumstances that led to the tragic incident.

The IGP has ordered the FCID to handle the case with utmost diligence and ensure a conclusive and impartial investigation. He further reassured the family and the general public that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to upholding the highest standards of accountability, professionalism, and respect for human rights.

While restating the zero-tolerance stance of the Nigeria Police Force on unprofessional conduct among its personnel, the IGP called on all stakeholders to remain calm and allow the due process of law to prevail’ the statement added.

Egbetokun, who noted that the police leadership  is saddened and troubled about the incident, assured Nigerians that, ‘we’re taking this incident very seriously. I want to assure you that justice would be served’. 

‘But I want to appeal to the people to be calm. Let us not jump to conclusions about what happened. I’ve received reports of the commissioner of police. I’ve seen things for myself at the police headquarters. I’m already forming my opinion, but I’m not concluding. I’m going to wait for the outcome of the investigation. Very competent detectives have taken over investigation into this incident and I have confidence that they’re going to do a thorough job and the truth about the death of this young person will be revealed’ he said. 

The IGP thanked the Balogun for the warm reception, promising that the police are ready to support the family of the deceased person, ‘in whatever way we can. If there’s anything we can do for them right away, they should please reach out to us. We’ll be happy to do anything to ease their pains at this difficult time’. 

‘We know that no amount of support can ease the pain, but we believe that our actions, showing commitment to transparency and accountability will bring a sort of relief to them’ he said. 

In their separate speeches, the Balogun Fulani, youths, the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressives Union, and others demanded justice for Jimoh. 

‘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 person was invited in respect of an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretence to the tune of N220,000.

Discreet 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’ Spokesperson for the state police command, Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, also submitted on Sunday- Team@orientactualmags.com  Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com.  Thank you