LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has set up a seven-man panel of inquiry to investigate the death of a young cadet, Sulaiman Jika.
Recall that Jika died last Friday, at the Nigeria Police Academy (POLAC), Wudil, Kano State.
In a statement issued earlier today, the Police Spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated that the panel will be headed by Deputy Inspector General of Police, Abiodun Alabi, who is in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abuja.
He further stated that the panel has a mandate to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the cadet’s death.
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“In response to the tragic incident at the Nigeria Police Academy (POLAC), Wudil, Kano State, where a promising young cadet, Sulaiman Jika, lost his life, on 1st of September, 2023.
“The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has set up a 7-man Panel of Inquiry on Monday, 4 September, headed by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abuja, DIG Abiodun Alabi, FDC, with a mandate to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the cadet’s death.
“The IGP has set a deadline of 4 days for the panel to furnish a comprehensive report detailing its findings and recommendations.
“Furthermore, the IGP extends his heartfelt condolences and commiserations to the family and relations of Sulaiman Jika and the academy community, during this trying time, assuring that he is deeply empathetic to their pains and loss; and that the Force would do the needful to ensure justice is done in the case,” the statement reads in part.
POLAC Commandant, Sadiq Idris Abubakar, an Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG had earlier explained how the Cadet passed on in a statement of condolence to his family, friends, and other well-wishers on 3 September.
The explanation of how Jika died was included in the statement, following speculations by the public on the circumstances surrounding his death.
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Some reports had indicated that Jika’s colleagues said he died as a result of starvation.
However, in the condolence message issued and signed by ASP Hussain Suleman, its spokesperson, POLAC said Jika who is a student in the Department of Computer Science of the institution had fallen ill on 29 August and sought medical attention at the Academy’s clinic.
ASP Suleman said the deceased was treated and discharged from the hospital, before he took ill again on Saturday, leading to his death.
The statement partly reads, “Following a diligent course of treatment and his gradual recovery, he was certified fit and discharged by the Medical Doctor on call the next day and tasked to return at regular intervals for checks which he adhered to.
“However, fate took an unforeseen turn. On 2nd September, he was once again admitted to the clinic for further examination and care following a complaint of restlessness.
“Though his vitals were normal upon examination and all necessary medical steps were taken, we regrettably report his untimely passing.”