Police probe alleged death of man at Kano reformatory institute

The Kano State Police Command has launched an investigation into the controversial death of a young man at the state’s Reformatory Institute in Kiru, after family members alleged that he was tortured to death while undergoing rehabilitation. The victim, identified simply as Musa Yakubu, had reportedly returned from Abuja recently. Concerned relatives said they noticed […]

The Kano State Police Command has launched an investigation into the controversial death of a young man at the state’s Reformatory Institute in Kiru, after family members alleged that he was tortured to death while undergoing rehabilitation.

The victim, identified simply as Musa Yakubu, had reportedly returned from Abuja recently. Concerned relatives said they noticed signs of drug addiction and, in an effort to help him recover, admitted him to the government-run reformatory centre for treatment and counselling.

According to relatives, only a few days after Yakubu was taken to the facility, officials from the centre contacted one of his family members, informing them that he had suddenly fallen ill and was being rushed to hospital.

But before the family could process the news, another call came moments later with a more devastating message of Musa’s death.

His relatives said alarm bells rang when preparations began for burial rites. They noticed blood stains coming from Yakubu’s back. Further examination, they claimed, revealed wounds, bruises and swelling on different parts of his body.

Shocked by the discovery, the family reportedly suspended burial arrangements and moved his remains to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital for further examination.

They alleged that preliminary findings indicated Musa may have suffered severe physical assault before his death.

“This was somebody we took there to be helped, not to be returned to us lifeless,” one grieving relative, Isa Umar Laura said, calling on the Kano State Government and security agencies to ensure those responsible are identified and prosecuted.

When contacted, the spokesperson of the Kano State Police Command, SP Haruna Kiyawa, confirmed that arrests had been made in connection with the case.

He said investigations were ongoing and assured the public that anyone found culpable would face the law.