The Plateau Lawyers Bar Forum (PLBF) has expressed outrage over the Nigerian Police Force’s decision to publicly release graphic images of the late David Parradang, former Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS). His remains were reportedly found under controversial circumstances in an unnamed hotel in Abuja.
During a press conference held in Jos over the weekend, the PLBF strongly condemned the circulation of distressing images and detailed reports about Parradang’s death, describing it as a serious violation of privacy and human dignity.
Parradang was alleged to have passed away while in a closed-door meeting with an unidentified woman. However, the manner in which the police handled the case has led to widespread criticism, particularly after the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command issued a statement on March 4, 2025. The statement contained explicit photographs and speculative details about his passing.
“The public release of such disturbing images during an ongoing investigation not only diminishes public confidence in law enforcement but also jeopardizes the credibility of the inquiry,” the Forum stated.
The lawyers further argued that portraying Parradang in such an undignified manner was deeply insensitive to his grieving family. They noted that releasing unverified information about his death only led to unnecessary speculation and damaged the reputation of a man who had served Nigeria with distinction.
Parradang was a respected figure in Nigeria’s immigration sector, having led the NIS from 2013 to 2015. His tenure was marked by efforts to improve border security and reform the service. However, his career was not without controversy. In 2015, he was suspended by former President Muhammadu Buhari over alleged irregularities in a recruitment exercise that led to a tragic stampede, which resulted in the deaths of several job applicants. Despite this, he remained an influential voice in immigration policy and governance.
His sudden death has raised numerous questions, but instead of addressing these through proper investigative channels, critics argue that the police have sensationalized the incident. The PLBF stressed that the actions of the police could set a dangerous precedent in handling high-profile cases.
The lawyers also criticized the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) for its silence on the matter. They urged the agency to honor Parradang’s legacy by issuing an official statement recognizing his contributions to the country. According to them, it is standard practice in other security and military institutions to pay respects to their former leaders in such situations.
Family members and close associates of the late immigration chief have also voiced their displeasure over the manner in which his death has been handled. A source close to the family described the release of explicit images as “unnecessary and disrespectful,” adding that it has only deepened their pain and mourning.
Legal and human rights experts have also weighed in on the issue, condemning the police for what they describe as a breach of ethical standards. Barrister Joshua Kazeem, a human rights lawyer based in Abuja, noted that law enforcement agencies should handle sensitive cases with professionalism and discretion. “The police should be investigating the cause of death and ensuring that justice is served, rather than making sensational disclosures that do not serve the interests of the public or the family of the deceased,” he said.
In recent years, concerns have been raised about how the Nigerian police handle sensitive information. There have been previous instances where graphic images of victims of crime or accidents have been leaked or published, leading to public outrage. Critics argue that this practice not only violates ethical standards but also raises questions about the professionalism of security agencies.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has previously called for stricter regulations to prevent the mishandling of sensitive information by security agencies. In 2023, following a similar controversy involving leaked photographs of a high-profile assassination victim, the NBA demanded that law enforcement agencies adopt stricter protocols when dealing with sensitive cases.
Meanwhile, the remains of David Parradang have been deposited at the National Hospital in Abuja as investigations continue. His family has called for a thorough and respectful inquiry into the circumstances of his death, urging authorities to ensure that justice is done.
The controversy surrounding his passing has sparked discussions about the ethical responsibilities of the police, the protection of privacy, and the need for reforms in the way law enforcement agencies handle high-profile cases. As pressure mounts on the authorities to address these concerns, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how the matter unfolds.
