Bauchi Police launch investigation into alleged torture, death of 20-year-old in custody

The Bauchi State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the alleged torture and death of a 20-year-old man, Abdullahi Adamu, while in police custody in Misau Local Government Area of the state.

Adamu, a resident of Sebore Village in Hardawa District, reportedly sustained serious injuries during interrogation by officers attached to a police outpost under the Misau Divisional Police Headquarters.

The incident, which has generated widespread public concern and outrage on social media, prompted the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, to order a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the young man’s death.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, said the command became aware of the allegations following reports accusing police operatives of assaulting the deceased while he was being questioned in connection with an ongoing investigation.

According to the statement, Adamu’s condition reportedly deteriorated after the alleged assault. He was initially taken to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Misau, for medical treatment before being referred to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, where he later died on Sunday, July 12, 2026.

Reacting to the incident, Commissioner Aliyu described the allegations as deeply concerning and reiterated the command’s commitment to upholding professionalism, accountability and respect for human rights.

“The Command is committed to ensuring that justice is served and that appropriate disciplinary and legal actions will be taken against any personnel found culpable in accordance with the provisions of the law,” SP Habib said on behalf of the commissioner.

He added that the Commissioner had directed a thorough and impartial investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding Adamu’s arrest, detention, interrogation and eventual death.

The police assured members of the public that the investigation would be transparent and that anyone found responsible would be held accountable in line with the law.

The command also expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and appealed to residents of Sebore Village and the wider Misau community to remain calm while the investigation is ongoing.

It further urged anyone with credible information or eyewitness accounts relating to the incident to come forward and assist investigators.

The outcome of the investigation is expected to determine whether criminal or disciplinary proceedings will be instituted against any officers found culpable.