Autopsy ordered after man dies in Bauchi vigilante custody

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By Christopher Ameh, Bauchi

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BAUCHI: Homicide detectives have launched an investigation into the death of a 39-year-old man, Abdulrazak Ibrahim, while in the custody of a local vigilante group in Bauchi metropolis.

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The Bauchi State Police Command confirmed the incident on Friday, saying three members of the vigilante group had been arrested and detained in connection with the death.

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According to preliminary police findings, Ibrahim was invited to the Bakin Kura Vigilante Office following a theft complaint lodged against him by his mother, Hauwa Ibrahim.

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The community security group was reportedly tasked with investigating the allegation, recovering the stolen items and identifying possible buyers of the property.

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However, Ibrahim died under unclear circumstances while being held at the facility.

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The Chairman of the Bakin Kura Vigilante Group reported the incident to the police on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at about 6:39pm.

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The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, said the command subsequently deployed homicide detectives from the ‘A’ Division Township to the scene.

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He said three vigilante members were arrested for questioning, while Ibrahim’s body was deposited at the mortuary of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Teaching Hospital, Bauchi.

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According to him, preliminary examination of the body revealed no visible signs of physical violence or trauma.

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He added that an autopsy would be conducted to determine the actual cause of death.

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The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, ordered a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure that justice was served.

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The commissioner condemned extrajudicial actions and warned individuals and community security groups against resorting to jungle justice.

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He urged members of the public to remain calm, assuring them that the outcome of the investigation would be made public.

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