The Inspector-General (IG) of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Sunday, visited the family of 35-year-old Jimoh Abdulquadri, who died in police custody in Ilorin, Kwara State, under suspicious circumstances. The tragic incident has ignited outrage in the region, with calls for justice growing louder across the community.
Abdulquadri, a resident of the Balogun Fulani community in Ilorin, was allegedly arrested after being accused of owing a colleague, Peter, N220,000, at Olam Farms in Offa. According to reports, he was taken into police custody, where he later died under mysterious circumstances. It is alleged that he was tortured during his detention, leading to his untimely death.
On Sunday, IG Egbetokun visited Abdulquadri’s family home in Ilorin to offer his condolences and reassure the grieving relatives that justice would be served. Egbetokun expressed his regret over the death, revealing that a full investigation into the incident had already been launched.
“I am very sad to be here today on a condolence visit over the death of Jimoh, the circumstances of which are deeply troubling,” the IG said. “Justice must be served, and I have directed the Commissioner of Police in Kwara State to conduct a thorough investigation.”
The visit comes after growing unrest in the Kwara State capital, where Abdulquadri’s death has become a point of contention. Tensions have risen among the local population, especially youth groups, who have voiced their anger over the alleged police brutality. Egbetokun, however, urged the community not to resort to violence or take the law into their own hands.
“Please, I beg the people of Ilorin, especially the youth, not to take matters into their own hands,” he urged. “We will ensure that the investigation is thorough, and we will not sweep this case under the carpet. Justice will be served.”
Egbetokun’s words were met with cautious optimism from the grieving family, though many in the crowd remained determined to see the truth come to light. Among the community leaders who spoke at the event were the Balogun Fulani and representatives of the Ilorin Descendants Union. They all demanded that those responsible for Abdulquadri’s death be held accountable.
“We cannot let this matter go unaddressed,” said the Balogun Fulani, his voice firm with resolve. “We want justice for Jimoh and his family, and we will not rest until we have it.”
The incident has also drawn the attention of local activists and civil society groups, who have demanded greater oversight of police conduct in the region. They argue that the police must be held to a higher standard to prevent further cases of police brutality.
“Cases like these are becoming far too common, and they undermine the trust between the police and the public,” said one local activist, who requested to remain anonymous. “The community deserves justice, and the authorities must act swiftly to restore faith in the system.”
The family of Jimoh Abdulquadri has called for transparency in the investigation and full accountability. They are seeking answers about the exact cause of his death, as well as the circumstances leading to his arrest and subsequent detention.
The police have yet to release an official statement detailing the exact events that led to Abdulquadri’s death, but sources within the Kwara State Command have confirmed that an internal review is underway.
Egbetokun, who had previously served as the Commissioner of Police in Kwara State in 2020, reflected on his past positive experiences in the state. “I was warmly received when I was posted here in 2020, and I will never forget the support and prayers of the people of Ilorin,” he said. “It saddens me deeply to return under these circumstances.”
While acknowledging the pain felt by Abdulquadri’s family, the IG also reminded the community to allow the investigation to run its course. He assured them that no stone would be left unturned in determining the truth behind the death.
“We cannot jump to conclusions before the investigation is complete,” he warned. “I have visited the State Command and instructed that the investigation be as thorough as possible. We will get to the root of this case, and the findings will be made public.”
Despite the promise of an investigation, many in Ilorin remain sceptical, particularly given the history of alleged police misconduct in the area. The tragic death of Abdulquadri is only the latest in a series of incidents that have raised concerns about police brutality across Nigeria.
“We understand that no amount of support can bring back your loved one, but we will do our best to ensure that justice is served,” he said.
The IG also prayed that his future visits to Kwara State would be under happier circumstances. “I pray that no sad story will bring me to Kwara again,” he concluded.
As the investigation continues, the people of Ilorin wait anxiously for answers. The community remains on edge, and many are watching closely to see if the promises made by the Inspector-General will be fulfilled. With emotions running high, the hope for justice remains the driving force behind the demand for accountability in this tragic case.
