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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

Police Reject Viral Kidnap Claim Over Late Lagos DCP

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Lagos State Police Command has debunked viral claims that the late Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Khan Salihu, was kidnapped before his death.
  • The command described the report as false and misleading, stating that Salihu briefly felt unwell before being taken to the hospital where he was later confirmed dead.
  • Police expressed concern over the publication of unverified information, emphasizing the distress it caused the deceased officer's family and colleagues.

The Lagos State Police Command has officially refuted viral reports alleging that the late Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Khan Salihu, was kidnapped prior to his death. The command has characterized these claims as false, misleading, and entirely fabricated, urging the public to disregard them.

For the avoidance of doubt, DCP Salihu was never kidnapped at any time prior to his demise. The report is entirely false, misleading and a complete fabrication with no basis in fact whatsoever.

— SP Abimbola AdebisiThe police spokesperson directly refuted the kidnapping claims.

Police spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, clarified in a statement that DCP Salihu had only complained of feeling unwell before being urgently transported to a hospital. Medical professionals subsequently confirmed his death after all efforts to revive him proved unsuccessful. "For the avoidance of doubt, DCP Salihu was never kidnapped at any time prior to his demise. The report is entirely false, misleading and a complete fabrication with no basis in fact whatsoever," Adebisi stated.

The police emphasized that the late officer was never abducted nor involved in any criminal activity before his passing. Adebisi voiced concern over the publication of such an unverified story by a recognized media platform, noting that the report was released without consulting relevant authorities for confirmation. The command highlighted that the unsubstantiated claim caused unnecessary distress to the late officer's family, friends, and colleagues, particularly during a period of mourning.

At no time was the deceased officer abducted or linked to any incident involving criminal activity.

— SP Abimbola AdebisiThe spokesperson further clarified the circumstances surrounding the late officer's death.

Adebisi described the report as insensitive and demanded its immediate withdrawal and a public correction from the media organization involved. The command also called for accountability and an apology. Reaffirming its commitment to combating misinformation, the Lagos State Police Command urged the public to rely solely on verified information disseminated through official police channels. The statement also paid tribute to Salihu's distinguished service and dedication to his professional duties.

The report was released without contacting relevant authorities for confirmation before publication.

— SP Abimbola AdebisiThe police expressed concern about the media's failure to verify the story.
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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