IGP orders investigation into death of man in Kwara police custody amid allegations of torture

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has directed the Force Criminal Investigations Department to investigate the death of Jimoh Abdulqaudri, who died in police detention in Kwara State on Friday, December 20.

During his visit to the bereaved family, the IGP expressed condolences and assured them of a thorough investigation.

This was made known in a statement on Sunday, by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

Abdulqaudri’s family alleges he was tortured over a N220,000 debt, raising calls for accountability from the police.

The statement reads, “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has directed the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) to immediately take over the investigation into the unfortunate death of Jimoh Abdulqaudri, who passed away while in police detention in Kwara State on Friday 20th December 2024.

“In a show of commitment to justice and accountability, the IGP visited Kwara State today Sunday 22nd December 2024, where he met with the bereaved family of the deceased. 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 reiterating the Force’s zero-tolerance stance on unprofessional conduct among its personnel, Egbetokun called on all stakeholders to remain calm and allow the due process of law to persist.

The Kwara State Police Command has also confirmed the incident and promised a comprehensive inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Dailyeconomy recalls that in September 2024, the operatives of the Kwara police allegedly killed Qoyum Ishola, a 21-year-old Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, student.

Also, in November, the operatives of the Kwara police was said to have also killed a lad, identified as Suleiman Olayinka, suspected to be a student of the Kwara State University, in the Tanke area of Ilorin, Kwara State.