A seven-member inquiry panel established by Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, is still working to uncover the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of 100-level Course 9 police cadet, Sulaiman Jika, on the premises of the Nigeria Police Academy in Kano State. Deputy Inspector-General of Police Abiodun Alabi, who leads the panel, confirmed in a recent interview that the investigation is ongoing.
Jika’s death, which occurred on September 2, allegedly resulted from a brief illness attributed to starvation and malnourishment at the academy, as reported by Sunday PUNCH. In response to this, the IG established the panel on September 4 with a mandate to conduct a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the incident.
The panel’s composition, as stated by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, includes senior police officials such as AIG Oyeyemi Oyediran, CP Garba Emmanuel Nzukwen, CP Fom Pam Joseph, CP Patrick Edung, and others, with a four-day deadline to present their findings and recommendations.
However, when questioned about the progress of the investigation, Alabi explained, “The matter is still under investigation, and we are yet to conclude our investigation.” He also mentioned that updates would be shared with the public through the Force PRO when the investigation is complete.
Previously, some cadets had raised concerns about the academy’s leadership, alleging high-handedness and inadequate food supply. One cadet, speaking anonymously, revealed that the victim had been taken to the academy’s clinic but received no treatment due to a lack of medications and medical personnel in the inadequate facility, leading to his unfortunate demise.
