Kano: 24-year-old cleric allegedly dies in police detention
The Kuntau community in Gwale Local Government Area of Kano State has been thrown into mourning following the death of a young Imam, Salim Usman, who allegedly died shortly after being arrested by the police. Usman, 24, was reportedly picked up from his residence in Kuntau on September 22, shortly after leading the Maghrib prayer. […]
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The Kuntau community in Gwale Local Government Area of Kano State has been thrown into mourning following the death of a young Imam, Salim Usman, who allegedly died shortly after being arrested by the police.
Usman, 24, was reportedly picked up from his residence in Kuntau on September 22, shortly after leading the Maghrib prayer. He was accused of buying a stolen bag of flour last year, an allegation said to have been made by the prime suspect currently under police investigation.
According to his father, Sheikh Adam Usman, CCTV footage showed two officers maltreating Salim at the point of arrest, adding that his son was brutally beaten before being taken away. He alleged that the assault continued while Salim was in custody, ultimately leading to his death the same day.
Sheikh Usman said the family has lodged a formal complaint with police authorities. “The police informed us that some officers have been arrested for unprofessional conduct and that an investigation is underway,” he added.
Salim’s body was later released for burial on September 26 after a court-approved autopsy was conducted at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. The report is expected within four weeks.
Efforts to reach Kano Police spokesperson, Haruna Kiyawa, for comment were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.