FG To Investigate Death Of Post Graduate Student

The Minister for Youth Development in Nigeria, Ayodele Olawande, has vowed to ensure justice for Abdulraheem Abubakar, a postgraduate student at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), and a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, who reportedly died in a tragic incident involving mobile police personnel on August 29.

According to eyewitnesses on X, Abubakar was riding a commercial motorcycle to his Master’s classes when a police van allegedly hit his vehicle, and an officer struck him on the head with a bamboo stick, leading to his death. The incident has sparked outrage, with the family accusing the police of attempting to cover up the incident.

The Kaduna State Police Command claimed that Abubakar’s motorcycle collided with a stationary Mobile Police vehicle, while the rider fled the scene.

However, eyewitnesses and the family dispute this account, stating that the police actions were deliberate and unprovoked.

Olawande disclosed that the ministry has activated the Nigerian Youth HelpDesk to investigate and verify the circumstances surrounding Abubakar’s death.

He assured the family and the public that it will engage all relevant stakeholders to ensure a transparent and accountable investigation.

In a statement, Olawande said, “This matter is of grave concern to me. I want to assure his family, the youth of Kaduna State, and Nigerians at large that the Nigerian Youth HelpDesk was established precisely to address issues of this nature where young people face injustice, abuse, neglect, or risk of any kind.”

The ministry has appealed for calm, urging the youth of Kaduna State to allow the intervention process to take its course.

Olawande emphasised the ministry’s commitment to protecting the rights and safety of Nigerian youth, stating, “Engr. Abdulraheem’s tragic death is a painful reminder of why we must continue to strengthen institutions, demand accountability, and protect the dignity and lives of our young people.”