By Christopher Ameh, Bauchi
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.
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.
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.
The community security group was reportedly tasked with investigating the allegation, recovering the stolen items and identifying possible buyers of the property.
However, Ibrahim died under unclear circumstances while being held at the facility.
The Chairman of the Bakin Kura Vigilante Group reported the incident to the police on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at about 6:39pm.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, said the command subsequently deployed homicide detectives from the ‘A’ Division Township to the scene.
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.
According to him, preliminary examination of the body revealed no visible signs of physical violence or trauma.
He added that an autopsy would be conducted to determine the actual cause of death.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, ordered a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure that justice was served.
The commissioner condemned extrajudicial actions and warned individuals and community security groups against resorting to jungle justice.
He urged members of the public to remain calm, assuring them that the outcome of the investigation would be made public.
