Nigerian Policemen Allegedly Torture 22-Year-Old to Death After Eight Months in Detention

Officers from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) command and the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Kado, Abuja, have been accused of torturing 22-year-old Jacob Emmanuel to death while in custody. Chronicles Reporters gathered that Emmanuel was detained for eight months without trial, and his body was later moved to a morgue without informing his family.

Reports indicate that Emmanuel, a resident of Mpape in Abuja, was arrested in February 2024 by the Mpape Police Division in the presence of his widowed mother. He was subsequently transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Kado, allegedly to extort money from his family. Police sources revealed that officers, including Investigating Police Officer (IPO) Paul Shafi, denied the family access to Emmanuel and demanded a N200,000 bribe for his release.

Despite the family’s repeated petitions to the FCT Commissioner of Police, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Inspector-General of Police, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the Police Service Commission, no action was taken to release Emmanuel or charge him to court.

Family’s Struggle for Justice

The family, represented by their lawyer U.M. Dakas, wrote multiple petitions highlighting Emmanuel’s deteriorating health while in detention. In one of the letters, dated September 4, 2024, they recounted how Emmanuel was accused of stealing a television. Although the stolen items were reportedly recovered and the alleged buyers released without charges, Emmanuel remained in custody.

The petition detailed Emmanuel’s declining health and the family’s plea for his bail or medical attention. Despite this, police authorities allegedly transferred him to the notorious “Abattoir” detention facility in Guzape, Abuja.

Confirmation of Death

On Tuesday night, a top police source confirmed Emmanuel’s death, stating, “It is true. He has died. His corpse has been taken to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital. He was truly sick in custody, and we tried to save his life.”

Family members accused the police of negligence, torture, and inhumane treatment, which they believe led to Emmanuel’s death. The lawyer’s recent petition described the case as an urgent matter requiring immediate action.

Police Response

When contacted, FCT police spokesperson Josephine Adeh promised to investigate the incident and provide updates. However, no concrete findings have been disclosed as of now.

Family Demands Justice

An uncle of the deceased, Thomas Saleh, expressed his frustration over the situation, claiming that IPO Shafi and other officers tortured Emmanuel to death. He stated: “Inspector Shafi and his friends watched the poor youth give up the ghost. They refused to let us see him before he died. These are the bad eggs tarnishing the image of the Force.”

The family has called on the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure justice is served. “We want justice for Jacob. This impunity must stop,” a family source said.

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