By: Bayero Ade
The Kwara State Police Command has initiated an investigation into the sudden death of a 35-year-old man, Jimoh Abdulquadri, who died in police custody in Ilorin on Friday, December 20, 2024.
Jimoh, a native of the Balogun Fulani community in Erubu/Asunnara, Ilorin, was reportedly arrested on December 19 for allegedly owing N220,000 to an individual identified as Peter. His death occurred less than 48 hours after his detention.
Family members of the deceased, including his mother, Mrs. Adijat Moriyike, and elder brother, Ismail, allege that Jimoh, popularly known as “Van de Sar,” was tortured to death. They claim his body showed signs of physical assault, with blood reportedly oozing from his nose and visible bruises.
According to Ismail, the family had already begun making arrangements to settle the debt before the tragic incident.
“My brother was arrested at around 5:30 pm on December 19 with his phone and N350,000 in cash. By 7:30 pm the next day, he was dead. We were called after midnight to come and bail him, but when we arrived at the police headquarters, they directed us to the General Hospital, Surulere, where we found his body in the mortuary,” Ismail recounted.
He further alleged that Jimoh’s injuries, including a swollen face and blood-stained body, contradicted police claims that he hanged himself in his cell.
The family believes Jimoh’s alleged creditor, reportedly the elder brother of a police officer, had influenced the handling of the case.
“The creditor instructed his younger brother, who is a police officer, to torture my brother. The evidence on his body shows he was beaten to death,” Ismail added, calling for justice and intervention from higher authorities.
Responding to the incident, the Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed Jimoh’s death and stated that investigations were underway.
“The Kwara State Police Command is aware of the unfortunate incident that led to the tragic loss of Mr. Jimoh Abdulquadri on December 20, 2024. He was invited on an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretence to the sum of N220,000.
Discreet investigations into this incident have commenced to ascertain the cause. Further developments will be communicated as the investigation progresses,” Ejire-Adeyemi said.
The family, however, has expressed concerns over a potential cover-up and urged relevant authorities to ensure a transparent investigation.
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