Three police officers in Bauchi State have been taken into custody over the death of a suspect, Abubakar Auwal, who died while being held at a divisional police station in Jega under suspicious circumstances.
The tragic incident has also led to the redeployment of the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the station.
In a statement released on Saturday, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Abubakar, revealed that Auwal had been arrested on April 15, 2025, following a report of stolen trailer rims.
The police said Auwal suddenly collapsed the next morning, April 16, while in custody.
He was immediately taken to the General Hospital in Jega, where he was declared dead later that night at around 10:00 p.m.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Bauchi, Bello Sani, ordered the State Criminal Investigation Department to launch a thorough probe.
“Based on early findings, three officers suspected of involvement have been detained. The DPO of the affected station has also been issued a query and reassigned,” the statement read.
While the names of the detained officers were not released, the police assured the public that a full investigation is underway.
The Bauchi State Police Command reiterated its commitment to maintaining professionalism and ethical standards in all its operations.