Police investigate death of 39-year-old man in Bauchi vigilante custody
The Bauchi State Police Command has initiated an investigation into the death of 39-year-old Abdulrazak Ibrahim, who reportedly died while in the custody of vigilantes in Bakin Kura, located in the Bauchi Local Government Area.
The police were alerted to the situation on August 20, 2026, at approximately 6:39 p.m. by the chairman of the Bakin Kura Vigilante Group.
In a statement released on Friday, Police Public Relations Officer SP Nafiu Habib conveyed that preliminary findings suggested Ibrahim had been invited to the vigilante office following a theft complaint lodged by his mother, Hauwa Ibrahim. The police indicated that he was brought in for questioning, to recover allegedly stolen property, and to assist in identifying individuals who may have received the items.
“It is unfortunate that during the process, Abdulrazak Ibrahim died while in the custody of the vigilantes,” the command stated.
Detectives from the ‘A’ Division Township were dispatched to the scene to investigate the circumstances surrounding Ibrahim’s death. Following the report, three members of the vigilante group who were on duty at the time were arrested and detained to support the investigation.
The Commissioner of Police has mandated a thorough examination of the case to ensure justice is served, according to the statement.
Ibrahim’s remains have been taken to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital mortuary in Bauchi for preservation. An initial physical examination revealed that his body was intact with no visible signs of violence. However, the police plan to conduct an autopsy to determine the precise cause of death.
Commissioner of Police Sani-Omolori Aliyu cautioned against jungle justice and extrajudicial actions, emphasizing the importance of handling suspected offenses through lawful procedures.
“The command reiterates its commitment to upholding the rule of law and will not tolerate any form of jungle justice or extrajudicial actions by individuals or groups,” the police stated.
Authorities have appealed to the public to remain calm, assuring that the findings of the investigation will be made public in due course.
