Kebbi horror: Suspect dies in cell, three Police officers arrested for murder

By Ibrahim Bello

Shock and outrage have gripped Kebbi State as three police officers are now behind bars, accused of brutally killing a theft suspect in custody in Jega.

The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed the disturbing development in a statement on Saturday, revealing that 26-year-old Abubakar Auwal, arrested over stolen trailer rims, collapsed under suspicious circumstances barely a day after his detention — and later died at a hospital.

According to the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Nafi’u Abubakar, the suspect was arrested on April 15. But by 6:00 a.m. the following morning, Auwal had collapsed inside the cell. Rushed to Jega General Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries by 10:00 p.m. that same day.

In a swift response, Commissioner of Police Bello Sani ordered an immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

Preliminary findings reportedly implicated three officers, who are now being held at the SCID, while the Divisional Police Officer of the station has been queried and redeployed.

CSP Abubakar condemned the officers’ actions, stressing that the Nigeria Police Force will not shield rogue personnel.

“These individuals acted far outside the law,” he said. “Their actions in no way represent the values of the force. Accountability and justice will be served.”

The case has ignited fresh concerns over police brutality and the safety of detainees in Nigeria. An autopsy and full investigation are underway.