The Bauchi State Police Command has launched an investigation into the death of 39-year-old Abdulrazak Ibrahim while in the custody of a vigilante group in the Bakin Kura area of Bauchi Local Government Area. The incident was reported to the police on Thursday, August 20, by the chairman of the Bakin Kura Vigilante Group.

According to preliminary findings, Ibrahim had been taken to the vigilante office following a theft complaint lodged by his mother, Hauwa Ibrahim. He was reportedly brought in for investigation, recovery of allegedly stolen property and to help identify possible receivers of the items. However, he died while in the custody of the vigilantes.

Following the report, detectives from the ‘A’ Division Township were deployed to the scene, while three vigilante members who were on duty at the time were arrested and detained to assist with the investigation. Ibrahim’s remains were deposited at the mortuary of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi.

The police said an initial physical examination showed no visible signs of violence on the body, but an autopsy would be conducted to establish the actual cause of death. The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, ordered a thorough investigation and warned against jungle justice and extrajudicial actions, assuring the public that the outcome of the probe would be made public.