Ilorin Emir demands probe into death of man in police custody

The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has urged the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, to immediately set up a panel to investigate the death of Jimoh AbdulQodir, who reportedly died in police custody in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Friday.

In a statement released on Sunday and signed by his spokesman, Alhaji Abdulazeez Arowona, the Emir expressed deep sorrow over the incident.

“The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, expressed sadness over the demise of Tunji AbdulQodir in police custody, describing it as a rude shock and regrettable incident. It is distressing to witness a promising young man die in such inhumane circumstances,” the statement read.

Commiserating with the bereaved family, friends, and associates of the deceased, the Emir called on IGP Egbetokun to probe the circumstances leading to AbdulQodir’s death.

“The Emir urges the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate the circumstances that led to the demise of Tunji AbdulQodir,” the statement added.

Alhaji Sulu-Gambari further advised relevant security agencies to uphold professionalism and adhere strictly to global ethical practices in their interactions with the public.

The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the death of AbdulQodir, a 35-year-old man, who was in their custody on Friday. According to reports, AbdulQodir was arrested on December 19, 2024, over a debt of N220,000 owed to an individual identified as Peter. He was said to have died the following day, December 20, 2024.

Family members of the deceased questioned the police narrative that his brother hanged himself.

“They claimed he hanged himself with his clothes inside the cell. But my brother was tall and couldn’t have killed himself in that small cell. The person my brother owed money is related to a police officer, who allegedly instructed his younger brother to torture him. His face was swollen, blood was coming from his nose, and there were bruises all over his body.”

The family has accused the police of attempting to cover up the incident, appealing to higher authorities for intervention.

In response, the Kwara State Police Command acknowledged the incident. In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, the command assured the public that a thorough investigation was underway.

Meanwhile, PUNCH Online earlier reported that Egbetokun paid a visit to the family of the deceased in Ilorin, Kwara State, and promised that justice would be served. https://punchng.com/photos-ig-visits-family-of-kwara-suspect-who-died-in-detention/