Lagos Police Debunk Kidnap Claim, Say DCP Khan Salihu Died After Brief Illness

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed as false and misleading reports alleging that the late Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Khan Salihu, was kidnapped before his death.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the command described the publication as “false, reckless and highly irresponsible,” insisting that the senior police officer was never abducted at any time before his demise.

According to the command, Salihu, who was the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Finance and Administration, Lagos State Police Command, had briefly complained of feeling unwell and was immediately taken to a hospital for medical attention.

“The report is entirely false, misleading, and a complete fabrication with no basis in fact whatsoever,” the statement said.

The police explained that doctors confirmed the officer dead upon arrival at the hospital, stressing that his death had no connection with any criminal incident.

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

The police authorities expressed concern over what they described as the failure of the media organisation responsible for the report to verify the information before publication, noting that the story had misled members of the public and caused unnecessary distress to the deceased officer’s family, friends and colleagues.

The command further described the publication as inaccurate and insensitive, particularly at a time when relatives and associates of the late officer were mourning his passing.

Consequently, the Lagos State Police Command called for the immediate withdrawal of the report and urged the media platform involved to issue a public correction and apology.

The command also advised members of the public to disregard the report and rely only on information disseminated through its official communication channels.

Reaffirming its commitment to combating misinformation, the command pledged to continue providing accurate, timely and verified information to the public.

SP Adebisi signed the statement on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command.