Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has directed the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) to take over the investigation into the death of Jimoh Abdulqaudri, who reportedly died while in police custody in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Friday, December 20, 2024.
During an unscheduled visit to the state, IGP Egbetokun assured community members and the family of the deceased that justice would prevail. Abdulqaudri had been arrested over a debt of ₦220,000 owed to his employer, Mr. Peter, but allegedly died following torture by officers at the Kwara State Command. Police officials initially claimed he committed suicide in his cell.
“I have directed the Commissioner of Police to thoroughly investigate this matter. We will uncover the truth and make our findings public,” the IGP said while addressing Balogun Fulani, the traditional ruler of the community. “I appeal to the youth and residents to remain calm as we await the investigation’s outcome. I am forming an opinion based on initial findings but will not conclude until the process is complete.”
The IGP announced that “very competent detectives” had been assigned to the case and emphasized the police’s commitment to uncovering the circumstances of Abdulqaudri’s death.
Jimoh’s family, represented by his elder brother Ismail and his mother, Mrs. Adijat Moriyike, refuted the police’s claims of suicide, accusing officers of torturing him to death.
“My brother was arrested over a ₦220,000 debt, and we were in the process of resolving it,” Ismail said. “He was detained with his phone and ₦350,000. Around midnight on December 20, we were called to bail him, but when we arrived at the police headquarters, we were told he had been taken to the hospital. At the General Hospital mortuary, we saw his body covered in blood. They claimed he hanged himself, but he was tall and couldn’t have done so in the cell.”
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The family alleged that Jimoh was beaten with a hard object, causing his nose to bleed, and demanded accountability for his death.
Community leaders, including Balogun Fulani and the Ilorin Descendants Union, called for a transparent investigation and justice for Abdulqaudri.
The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, described the incident as a “rude shock” and called for professionalism and accountability within the police force. “This is a regrettable incident, and we must ensure strict adherence to ethical conduct by security agencies in their interactions with the public,” the Emir stated.
IGP Egbetokun expressed condolences to Abdulqaudri’s family and pledged support during their difficult time. “We will assist the family in any way we can,” he said. “If there’s anything we can do to ease their pain, they should let us know.”
The investigation remains ongoing, with assurances from the IGP that the findings will be made public.
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