IGP Egbetokun visits family of man tortured to death in Ilorin

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun paid an unscheduled visit to Ilorin, Kwara State, on Sunday, following the death of 35-year-old Jimoh Abdulquadri, allegedly tortured to death by police officers.

Jimoh, a resident of Balogun Fulani community in Erubu, reportedly died in police custody under questionable circumstances on December 20, 2024.

During a meeting with the traditional ruler of Balogun Fulani and community members, IGP Egbetokun urged the youth to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their hands.

He assured the community that a thorough investigation had been ordered, emphasizing that the matter would not be covered up.

“Justice must be served. I have directed the Commissioner of Police here to conduct a detailed investigation, and we will get to the root of this case,” Egbetokun stated.

Expressing sadness over the incident, the IGP recalled the warm reception he received from Ilorin residents during his tenure as Commissioner of Police in 2020.

“It pains me deeply to be here under such tragic circumstances,” he said, urging the community to await the findings of the investigative committee, which would be made public.

He also pledged support for Jimoh’s family, acknowledging that no amount of assistance could ease their pain but promising that the police would stand by them.

Community leaders, including the Balogun Fulani, youths, and the Ilorin Descendants Union, called for justice over Jimoh’s death.

Jimoh’s mother, Mrs. Adijat Moriyike, and his elder brother, Ismail, alleged that police officers beat him to death, breaking his head with a hard object, leaving his body bruised and bleeding.

According to Ismail, Jimoh was arrested on December 19 for allegedly owing N220,000 to a colleague at Olam Farms, who is reportedly related to a police officer. Despite holding N350,000 at the time of his arrest, he was declared dead the next day.

“When we were called to bail him, we were told he had been taken to the hospital. By the time we arrived, we found his body at the mortuary, beaten and bruised, with blood oozing from his nose. The claim that he hanged himself in the cell is not believable,” Ismail narrated.

The Kwara State Police Command, through its spokesperson, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the incident, stating that investigations had commenced.

“The command is aware of the unfortunate incident involving Mr. Jimoh Abdulquadri. A discreet investigation is underway, and no stone will be left unturned,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, expressed deep regret over the incident, describing it as inhumane.

He called for a thorough probe and urged security agencies to uphold professionalism and global ethical standards in their interactions with citizens.