IGP Visits Family of Kwara Farmer Who Died In Police Detention Over N200,000 Debt

Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has visited the family of a suspect, Tunji Abdulquadri Jimoh, who died in the Kwara State Police Command headquarters’ cell in Ilorin on Friday.

He directed the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) to immediately take over the investigation into the unfortunate death of the deceased for swift dispensation of justice, according to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

The statement read in part: “In a show of commitment to justice and accountability, the IGP visited Kwara State on 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 the 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.

Back Story

A poultry farmer, Jimoh Tunji Abdulqadir, has d!ed in the custody of the Kwara State Police Command after he was allegedly tortured to d3ath.

The victim was reportedly arrested on Friday, December 20, 2024, following a complaint by a client over a N200,000 debt that he owed.

A family source said the police told them that the deceased committed suicide inside the cell when they went to effect his bail.

“But we believed he was tortured to death by some of the police officers rather than the narrative of suicide they want us to believe”, the source added.

Reacting to the incident, the State Police Command described the loss as tragic.

The police spokeswoman, DSP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the deceased was invited on an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretence to the sum of N220,000.

“Discrete investigations into this incidhave has commenced to ascertain the cause. Further developments on the outcome will be communicated as it progresses and no stone will be left unturned,” she added.