Ismail Jimoh Demands Justice for His Brother Abdulqadir Jimoh’s Death in Police Custody

Ismail Jimoh, the elder brother of Abdulqadir Jimoh, shares painful details about his brother’s arrest and death in police custody. Abdulqadir, 35, was a poultry farmer in Kwara State. His family believes his death was not an accident but a result of police brutality.

Family Background: Ismail is the elder brother of Abdulqadir. Abdulqadir was the third-born in their family. He worked at Olam Poultry Farm in Offa, Kwara State. Before his job, he was involved in buying and selling animals.

How Abdulqadir Was Arrested: On December 19, 2024, Abdulqadir needed N350,000 to pay a debt. He went to his family to borrow the money. His mother gave him N75,000, and his sister gave him N350,000. He later went to meet Jelili Kehinde, who had a message for him. There, police arrested him. The family was not notified until the evening.

Troubling Events at the Police Station: Ismail’s mother tried to secure Abdulqadir’s release, offering to pay his debt and bail. However, the police refused. They told her that Abdulqadir could not be released until the complainant approved. That night, the family received multiple calls, but the police kept delaying.

The Death Announcement: On Saturday, the police told the family that Abdulqadir had hanged himself in his cell. The family was skeptical. They noticed bloodstains at the police station and doubts grew. The space in the cell was too small for Abdulqadir, who was tall.

Injuries Found on the Body: At the mortuary, the family found severe injuries. Abdulqadir had wounds on his face, head, and thigh. The police said the injuries were caused during embalming, but the family did not believe them. They suspected torture.

Struggle for Justice: The family has received little support despite visits from high-ranking officials, including the Inspector General of Police. The police have not arrested those responsible for Abdulqadir’s death. The family demands an independent autopsy, conducted away from Kwara State, to ensure justice.

Family’s Demands: The Jimoh family wants justice. They want the officers responsible for Abdulqadir’s death held accountable. The family hopes the investigation moves quickly to avoid further unrest in the community.