By Joy Onu
The Bauchi State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the death of a 20-year-old man, Abdullahi Adamu, following allegations that he was assaulted by police operatives while in custody at a police outpost under the Misau Divisional Headquarters.
In a statement issued on Monday, the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, said the Command was investigating allegations circulating on social media that Adamu, a resident of Sebore Village in Hardawa District of Misau Local Government Area, was allegedly assaulted by police operatives at a police outpost under the Misau Divisional Headquarters while being interrogated over a case under investigation.
Habib said the allegations further claimed that the victim was initially admitted to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Misau, before being referred to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, where he died on Sunday, July 12, while receiving treatment.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Command, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, expressed concern over the allegations and ordered an immediate full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to the commissioner, the Command remains committed to professionalism, respect for human rights and due process, stressing that allegations of misconduct involving police personnel would be treated with the seriousness they deserve.
“The Command takes issues of professionalism, respect for human rights and due process very seriously,” Aliyu said, assuring that the investigation would be thorough, transparent and impartial.
He added that any police personnel found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary and legal action in accordance with the provisions of the law.
Aliyu also extended condolences to the family of the deceased and prayed for the repose of his soul.
The Police Command appealed to members of the public with useful information that could assist the investigation to come forward, assuring that all relevant evidence would be carefully examined to establish the circumstances surrounding Adamu’s death and ensure justice is served.
