The Benue State Police Command has refuted claims that officers killed a suspected armed robber, Philip Kpentuman, who died while in custody.
The clarification was made on Friday in Makurdi by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet.
According to the police, Kpentuman was arrested on September 20 by operatives of Operation Zenda, who also conducted a search at his residence. During interrogation, he reportedly led the operatives to a hideout at Tse-Tamen settlement in Ugondu, Makurdi, where a locally made pistol and five cartridges concealed in a nylon bag were recovered.
The police explained that while being escorted, the suspect requested to relieve himself but instead attempted to escape. He was caught again with the assistance of community youths, who nearly attacked him before officers intervened to rescue him from mob action. Shortly after, he complained of intense body pain and was taken to Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, where doctors confirmed him dead.
The command stated that his remains have been deposited at the hospital morgue and that an autopsy ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, will determine the actual cause of death.
DSP Edet stressed that the police did not engage in extra-judicial killing but acted within the law while handling the suspect. She added that the State Criminal Investigation Department has opened further inquiries into the case, and the outcome will be made public after completion.