Lagos Police Refute Kidnap Rumor, Confirm DCP Khan Salihu Died After Short Illness

By Esther Onyegbula

The Lagos State Police Command denied claims that the late Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Khan Salihu, had been kidnapped before his death. The Command called the reports “false, misleading and a complete fabrication.”

According to a statement issued by Police Public Relations Officer SP Abimbola Adebisi on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, DCP Salihu was never abducted. The senior officer died after a brief illness.

“The Lagos State Police Command strongly condemns and unequivocally debunks the false, reckless, and highly irresponsible publication alleging that the late Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Khan Salihu, was kidnapped by suspected criminals before his death,” the statement read.

“For the avoidance of doubt, DCP Khan Salihu was never kidnapped at any time prior to his demise. The report is entirely false, misleading, and a complete fabrication with no basis in fact whatsoever.”

The Command added that the officer had complained of feeling unwell shortly before his death and was immediately taken to a hospital. Medical staff confirmed his death upon arrival.

“At no time was he abducted, kidnapped, or involved in any incident remotely connected to criminal activity as falsely portrayed in the publication,” the statement continued.

The police expressed concern that the media outlet failed to verify the information through official channels before publishing. They said the report breached responsible journalism principles and caused unnecessary distress to the officer’s family, friends and colleagues.

“The Command finds it deeply disturbing and professionally disappointing that such a spurious and unverified story could be published by a recognised media platform without the slightest attempt to verify the information from the appropriate authorities,” Adebisi said.

“This represents a serious breach of the fundamental principles of responsible journalism and has unnecessarily misled the public while causing avoidable pain and distress to the family, friends, and professional colleagues of the late senior officer.”

The police described the report as insensitive, especially given that the Command, family members and colleagues were mourning the loss of an officer who served the nation with dedication and distinction.

“The publication is not only inaccurate but also insensitive, particularly at a time when the Command, family members, and loved ones are mourning the loss of a dedicated and accomplished senior police officer who served the nation with distinction,” the statement said.

Consequently, the Lagos State Police Command demanded the immediate withdrawal of the report and called on the media organisation to issue a public correction and apology.

“The Lagos State Police Command therefore demands the immediate withdrawal of the false report and urges the media organisation concerned to issue a public correction and apology in the interest of truth, professionalism, and public accountability,” the statement added.

The Command also urged the public to disregard the publication and rely only on information disseminated through its official communication channels.

It reaffirmed its commitment to combating misinformation and ensuring that accurate, timely and verified information is made available to the public.

“The Command remains committed to combating misinformation and will continue to provide accurate, timely, and verified information to the public,” Adebisi stated.

The post Lagos police debunk kidnap claim, say DCP Khan Salihu died after brief illness appeared first on Vanguard News.