The operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have allegedly tortured a 28-year-old man, Aminu Abidina, to death in the state.
The Bauchi State chapter of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in a statement on Thursday, September 28, 2023, disclosed that Abidina was tortured to death while in police custody.
The NBA, in the statement issued by the Chairman of the Human Rights Committee (HRC) of the association, Sadiya Saleh, said it “is committed to upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and human rights”
“We are saddened by the alleged excessive use of force by the Police, leading to the death of an innocent young man,” it added.
The association stressed that the incident was a violation of the fundamental rights of the victim, adding: “It raises serious questions about the professionalism and the application of rules of engagement of our law enforcement agencies.
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“The role of the police in preserving law and order is crucial, but it must be carried out within the confines of the law and with respect for human rights.
“It is disheartening to see such a tragic occurrence, as it erodes public trust in law enforcement agencies and undermines the notion of justice.”
The NBA, however, urged the Bauchi State Government and other relevant authorities to “conduct a thorough investigation into this incident and hold the responsible police officer and his cohorts accountable for his/their actions”, saying justice must be served for the victim and his family.
It added: “We urge the Nigerian Police Force and other security agencies to prioritize the training of its officers in human rights, conflict resolution and the appropriate use of force.
“Our security officers must be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle situations calmly and by legal standards as well as human rights principles.”
Responding via a statement, the Bauchi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, debunked the allegation, saying: “We are very categorical in informing the public that the deceased Aminu Abidina died 12 days after the above-narrated occurrence.
“He neither died in Police custody nor anywhere close to a Police facility or at Dutsen Tanshi Division.
“It is just a piece of news we are hearing and we condole the family for the loss.”
Wakil added that “an investigation committee has been launched to thoroughly investigate the remote cause of these acts”.
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