Police investigate death of 39-year-old man in Bauchi vigilante custody

The Bauchi State Police Command has launched an investigation into the death of 39-year-old Abdulrazak Ibrahim, who reportedly died while in the custody of vigilantes at Bakin Kura in Bauchi Local Government Area.

The incident was reported to the police on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at about 6:39 pm by the chairman of the Bakin Kura Vigilante Group.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, the command said preliminary findings indicated that Ibrahim had been invited to the vigilante office following a theft complaint filed by his mother, Hauwa Ibrahim.

According to the police, the deceased was brought in for questioning, recovery of allegedly stolen property and to assist in identifying possible receivers of the items.

“It is unfortunate that during the process, Abdulrazak Ibrahim died while in the custody of the vigilantes,” the command said.

Following the report, detectives from the ‘A’ Division Township were deployed to the scene to begin investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death.

The police said three members of the vigilante group who were on duty at the time had been arrested and detained to assist investigators in establishing what happened.

“The Commissioner of Police has directed that the matter be thoroughly investigated to ensure justice is served,” the statement added.

The remains of Ibrahim were evacuated to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital mortuary in Bauchi, where they were deposited for preservation.

The command said an initial physical examination of the corpse showed that the body was intact, with no visible signs of violence.

However, the police said an autopsy would be conducted to determine the actual cause of death.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, also warned against jungle justice and extrajudicial actions, stressing that suspected offences must be handled through lawful procedures.

“The command reiterates its commitment to upholding the rule of law and will not condone any act of jungle justice or extrajudicial action by individuals or groups,” the police said.

The command urged members of the public to remain calm, assuring them that the outcome of the investigation would be made public in due course.