Police arrest air force personnel over death of petrol attendant

The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested two Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel and two civilians in connection with the alleged torture and death of a petrol station attendant in Kaduna.

Police spokesperson Mansir Hassan confirmed the incident, which involved 28-year-old Joseph Fada, an employee of Albash Filling Station on Airport Road.

The case began on April 30 when Amina Abdurrazaq, 40, the manager of the station, accused Fada of misappropriating N335,522 from fuel sales. Rather than reporting to the police, Abdurrazaq allegedly handed Fada over to military personnel stationed at a nearby checkpoint.

Police investigations revealed that Fada was taken into custody by officers from the 413 Force Protection Group of the Nigerian Air Force and was reportedly subjected to torture overnight, leaving him unconscious.

Instead of being rushed to a hospital, he was taken to a local patent medicine store, where he died during treatment.

Following the case’s transfer from the Airport Division, the police arrested NAF personnel Archibong Udoh and Ayodele Blessing. Also in custody are Amina Abdurrazaq and Maryam, the owner of the medicine store where Fada was taken.

Hassan stated that all suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for thorough investigation, while the deceased’s body has been deposited for autopsy.

The case has sparked public outrage, with calls for justice and accountability in the handling of civilians by security forces.

The Star