Bauchi Police Probe Death Of 39-Year-Old In Vigilante Custody, 3 Members Arrested

The Bauchi State Police Command has commenced investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of 39-year-old Abdulrazak Ibrahim while in the custody of vigilantes at Bakin Kura area of Bauchi metropolis.

The deceased was reportedly invited to the vigilante office following a theft complaint lodged by his mother, Hauwa Ibrahim, for investigation, recovery of the stolen property and identification of possible receivers.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Command’s public relations officer, SP Nafiu Habib, the incident was reported to the police on Thursday by the chairman of the Bakin Kura Vigilante Group.

Nafiu said Abdulrazak died during the process while in the custody of the vigilantes.

He said the Command immediately deployed detectives from the ‘A’ Division, Township, to the scene, leading to the arrest of three vigilante members who were on duty at the time of the incident.

He said the three suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting with the investigation.

The deceased’s remains have been evacuated to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, where they were deposited in the mortuary for preservation.

The police spokesman said preliminary physical examination showed that the body was intact, with no visible signs of violence, adding that an autopsy would be conducted to determine the actual cause of death.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has directed a thorough investigation into the matter to ensure that justice is served.

He also reiterated the Command’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and warned individuals and groups against jungle justice and extrajudicial actions.

The Command urged members of the public to remain calm, assuring that the outcome of the investigation would be made public in due course.