• IGP Directs FCID to Take Over Case for Swift Dispensation of Justice.
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.
This is contained in a statement signed by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, mnipr, mipra, fCAI, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja
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, the IGP called on all stakeholders to remain calm and allow the due process of law to prevail.
Meanwhile, the death of the 35-year-old man, Tunji Jimoh, in police custody has sparked outrage in the State, with the Erubu-Asunnara community demanding justice and a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his demise.
Jimoh, a father and poultry worker from the Erubu/Asunnara community in Ilorin South Local Government Area, was reportedly arrested on Friday, December 20, 2024, over a debt of ₦220,000 owed to a colleague, Mr. Peter, whose brother is allegedly a police officer.
Reports indicate that Jimoh was taken to the Special Investigation Bureau (SIB) at the Kwara State Police Command headquarters, where he was detained without bail. Family members, who left the station late Friday night after being denied access to him, were informed the following morning that Jimoh had died in custody.
Allegations of torture have emerged, with sources claiming that Jimoh was mistreated during detention due to an unresolved agreement with his creditor.
The police, however, have suggested suicide, a claim disputed by Jimoh’s family and community, who argue that the cell’s structure makes such an act impossible.
Police Confirm Incident
In a statement issued on Sunday, the spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, DSP Ejire Adeyemi Toun, confirmed the incident, describing it as sad and unfortunate.
“The state police command is aware of an unfortunate incident that led to the tragic death of one Mr. Jimoh Abdulquadri, which occurred on December 20, 2024,” the statement read.
DSP Adeyemi added that investigations into the incident have commenced. “No stone will be left unturned,” the statement assured.
Community Demands Justice
The Erubu-Asunnara community, in a press release signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim O. Mujeeb, and Acting General Secretary, Comrade Hassan Taiye Erubu, expressed grief and anger over the incident.
“It is heartbreaking that Tunji’s lifeless body was deposited at a mortuary without the family’s consent,” the statement read. The community described Jimoh as a hardworking and generous individual whose death has left his family and community in deep sorrow.
The community has called on the Inspector General of Police, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to intervene and ensure justice is served.
They have also appealed to the National Assembly, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), human rights organizations, and civil society groups for support.
“Tunji’s death must not go unpunished. We demand justice for his family, our community, and humanity,” the statement concluded, adding a call for public support under the hashtag #JusticeForTunji.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, with activists and community leaders decrying the alleged abuse of power by the police. Many have taken to social media to demand accountability and reform within the police force.
As investigations continue, the family and community are urging authorities to ensure transparency and fairness in uncovering the truth behind Tunji Jimoh’s tragic death.
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