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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

Police arrest three vigilantes over man's death in Bauchi custody

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Under investigation
  • Bauchi State Police Command arrested three vigilantes in connection with the death of a 39-year-old man in their custody.
  • The deceased, Abdulrazak Ibrahim, was invited to the vigilante office following a theft complaint filed by his mother.
  • An investigation is underway, and an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death, with police warning against jungle justice.

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested three members of a local vigilante group following the death of a 39-year-old man, Abdulrazak Ibrahim, while in their custody. The incident occurred in the Bakin Kura area of Bauchi Local Government Area, and the police have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ibrahim's death.

The deceased was invited to the Vigilante Office following a complaint of theft lodged by his mother, one Hauwa Ibrahim, for investigation, recovery of stolen properties, and to identify possible receivers.

— SP Nafiu HabibExplaining the reason for the deceased's presence at the vigilante office.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, the police were alerted to the incident on Thursday, August 20, 2026. The deceased had reportedly been invited to the vigilante office to assist with an investigation into a theft complaint lodged by his mother. During the process at the vigilante office, Ibrahim died.

It is unfortunate that during the process, Abdulrazak Ibrahim died while in the custody of the vigilantes.

— SP Nafiu HabibConfirming the death of the individual in vigilante custody.

Detectives from the 'A' Division Township were immediately deployed to the scene. The three vigilantes on duty at the time of the incident have been detained to aid the investigation. The body of Abdulrazak Ibrahim was transported to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, and placed in the mortuary for preservation. Preliminary examination showed no visible signs of violence, but an autopsy is scheduled to ascertain the exact cause of death.

However, an autopsy will be conducted to ascertain the actual cause of death.

— SP Nafiu HabibDetailing the next steps in determining the cause of death.

Commissioner of Police Sani-Omolori Aliyu has ordered a thorough investigation to ensure justice. The command reiterated its commitment to the rule of law and issued a stern warning against jungle justice and extrajudicial actions. The public has been urged to remain calm, with assurances that the investigation's outcome will be made public.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, had directed a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure that justice was served.

— SP Nafiu HabibStating the directive for a comprehensive investigation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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