An 18-year-old suspect, Fatiyah Abdulhakeem alleged to have murdered a retired Permanent Secretary in Niger State, Adamu Jagaba, has died while in police detention.
The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, with police sources confirming the incident to Daily Trust but unable to ascertain the exact cause of death.
Abdulhakeem, who worked as a panel beater, was recently paraded by the Niger State Commissioner of Police, Shawulu Ebenezer Danmama, as the principal suspect in the murder of Jagaba.
The retired Permanent Secretary was reportedly attacked and stabbed to death at his block industry, located near the PDP Secretariat in Minna.
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During his public confession at the police parade, Abdulhakeem alleged that he had been contracted by some of the deceased’s workers to carry out the killing.
The police had vowed to conduct a thorough investigation to uncover the full extent of the crime and bring all those involved to justice.
However, the case has taken a new turn with Abdulhakeem’s sudden death. The spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the development in a statement released on Tuesday.
“On 19/12/2024, at about 5pm, the suspect, Fatiyah Abdulhakeem, complained of severe stomach pains and cough. He was taken to the general hospital, Minna, for medical attention but unfortunately, he later died while receiving treatment,” the statement read.
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The police disclosed that Abdulhakeem’s body has been deposited at the hospital morgue, pending the outcome of a postmortem examination to determine the cause of death.
The tragic turn of events has sparked questions about the conditions of police detention facilities and the health monitoring of suspects in custody.
Civil rights advocates have called for transparency in the ongoing investigation, urging the authorities to release the findings of the postmortem report promptly.
The murder of Adamu Jagaba had already sent shockwaves through Niger State, and Abdulhakeem’s death adds another layer of complexity to the unfolding case.
Both incidents underscore the need for accountability and thorough investigations to uphold justice and ensure the rule of law is maintained.