‘He was rushed to hospital’: Police deny killing suspect in custody

The Benue State Police Command has denied reports that its operatives killed a suspected armed robber, Philip Kpentuman, in custody.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, made this known in a statement on Friday, September 26, 2025.

Edet said the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, had ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of Kpentuman’s death.

Edet disclosed that the suspect was arrested on September 20 by operatives of Operation Zenda, who also searched his house.

She noted that Kpentuman later led operatives to a hideout at Tse-Tamen settlement, Ugondu, Makurdi, where a locally made pistol and five cartridges hidden in a nylon bag were recovered.

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The police spokesperson stated: “After the recovery, the suspect asked to ease himself but instead attempted to escape from custody.

“He was rearrested with the help of youths in the community, who almost lynched him because of his criminal record, before the police rescued him.

“Shortly after being rescued, the suspect complained of severe body pains. He was rushed to Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor.”

Edet said the body had been deposited at the hospital morgue for autopsy.

She maintained that the police strongly refuted claims of extra-judicial killing, saying their actions were aimed at saving lives.

The police spokesperson added that the State Criminal Investigation Department had begun further investigation, noting that findings would be communicated in due course.

The Star