Egbetokun, IGP
IGP Orders Probe into Death of Detainee in Ilorin Police Custody
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) to conduct a thorough investigation into the death of a 35-year-old detainee, Mr. Jimoh Abdulquadri, while in police custody in Ilorin.
The incident occurred on Saturday, December 20, 2024, and reports suggest that Abdulquadri was allegedly tortured to death by police officers at the command.
During a visit to the bereaved family in the Balogun Fulani community, the IGP expressed his condolences and urged the youth in the community to remain calm and not resort to violence.
“I am here on a sympathy visit to the family and community. I appeal to everyone, especially the youth, not to take the law into their hands. I have ordered a comprehensive investigation to uncover the truth, and I assure you that justice will be served,” Egbetokun stated.
He described the incident as troubling and recalled the warm reception he received from the people of Ilorin when he served as Commissioner of Police in 2020.
According to the IGP, “This visit is a sorrowful one. I am deeply saddened by the death of Jimoh Abdulquadri. Justice must prevail. I have instructed the Commissioner of Police in Kwara State to ensure a thorough investigation, and we will uncover the truth.”
He urged the community to await the outcome of the investigation before drawing conclusions.
He assured the deceased’s family of the police’s support, while acknowledging that no assistance could fully ease their pain.
“I pray that no similar tragedy will bring me to Kwara State again,” he said.
Family members of the deceased, including his mother, Mrs. Adijat Moriyike, and elder brother, Ismail, claimed Abdulquadri was tortured to death.
They alleged that police officers beat him and struck his head with a hard object, leaving his face swollen and blood oozing from his nose.
Abdulquadri was said to have been arrested on December 19, 2024, over a debt of N220,000 owed to a colleague at Olam Farms in Offa.
Measures were already being taken to settle the debt at the time of his arrest, but a family member said: “He was arrested with his phone and N350,000. By 7:30 pm on December 20, we were informed he had died. Police claimed he hanged himself with his clothing, but this is implausible. His body showed clear signs of torture.”
The Kwara State Police Command, through its spokesperson, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the incident and stated that investigations were underway to determine the cause of death.
“The Command is aware of the unfortunate incident involving Mr. Jimoh Abdulquadri. A detailed investigation has commenced, and updates will be provided as the case progresses,” she said.
Community leaders, including the Balogun Fulani and representatives of the Ilorin Descendants Union, have called for justice.
The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Sulu-Gambari, also expressed sadness over the incident, describing it as a tragic and regrettable loss.
The Emir urged the IGP to ensure a thorough investigation and called on security agencies to uphold professionalism and global ethical standards in their interactions with the public.