Kwara resident arrested over ‘N220k debt’ dies in police custody

Jimoh Abdulquadri, a resident of Ilorin, Kwara state capital, who was arrested and detained, has reportedly died in police custody.

Abdulquadri was reportedly arrested on Friday at his residence for allegedly owing a friend N220,000.

On Saturday, his family members were informed that he had died in police custody.

In a viral video taken at the deceased’s house, family members could be seen crying and mourning his death.

In the video, Aishat Biola, the older sister of Abdulquadri, narrated how his brother was deceived from the house and whisked away by some police officers.

“My younger brother is the one who was killed. We were all here making jokes when they came to pick him up,” she said.

“They sent people to deceive him away from here. Those who came to carry him away were on the road waiting.”

SEE VIDEO:

Attention of the @PoliceNG is drawn to the questionable death of Tunji Abdulkadir in its custody at the Kwara Command. He’s arrested on Friday for allegedly owing a friend N200k. He was refused bail, only for his parents to be later told he’d died. @officialABAT, @Princemoye1 pic.twitter.com/xsEfAV12i9

— Usman Aliyu (@alihyshow) December 21, 2024

POLICE REACT

In a statement on Sunday, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the police spokesperson in Kwara, said the deceased was “invited” over “an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretence to the sum of N220,000”.

Ejire-Adeyemi said a “discreet investigation” has commenced to ascertain the cause of the death.

“The Kwara State Police Command is aware of an unfortunate incident that led to the tragic loss of one Mr. Jimoh Abdulquadri, which occurred on 20th Dec, 2024,” the statement reads.

“The deceased was invited on an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretense to the sum of 220,000 thousand Naira.

“Discreet investigations into this incident have commenced to ascertain the cause.

“Further developments on the outcome will be communicated as it progresses, as no stone will be left unturned.”

IGP VISITS DECEASED’S FAMILY

On Sunday, Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police (IGP), visited the family of the deceased in Ilorin, Kwara state capital.

Egbetokun assured the family that the circumstances that led to the death would be investigated.

POLICE AND CIVIL MATTER

The case of Abdulquadri appears to be a civil matter.

On numerous occasions, police officers have been warned against being involved in civil matters, including loan recovery, land, and marriage cases.

Despite the numerous warnings, police officers are still involved in civil cases.

Section 32 (2) under Part VI (Powers of Police Officers) of the Nigerian Police Act 2020 stipulates that the police should not be involved in issues of civil wrong or breach of contract.

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