Three police officers in Bauchi State have been detained following the death of a suspect, Abubakar Auwal, who died under suspicious circumstances while in custody at a divisional police station in Jega.
According to a statement released Saturday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Abubakar, Auwal had been arrested on April 15, 2025, over a theft complaint involving trailer rims.
The following morning, he reportedly collapsed in custody and was taken to Jega General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 10:00 p.m.
Following the incident, the state Commissioner of Police, Bello Sani, ordered an investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department.
Preliminary findings led to the detention of three officers believed to be involved in the case.
The Divisional Police Officer of the station has also been redeployed and issued a query.
“The Nigeria Police Force reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethics and professionalism,” the statement read.
While the identities of the detained officers have not been disclosed, the police confirmed that investigations are ongoing.