Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Amnesty International Nigeria has vowed that the “horrific killing” of Engr. Abdulraheem Mustapha Abubakar, a postgraduate student of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) allegedly by police personnel in Kaduna State must be investigated and must not be swept under the carpet.
The incident happened on August 29, 2025.
The demand was contained in a statement signed by its Director, Isa Sanusi and made available to Journalists in the state.
Reports had that Abubakar was riding a commercial motorcycle to his Master’s classes at the NDA when a police van allegedly hit his motorcycle, and an officer struck him on the head with a bamboo stick, resulting in his death.
However, the Kaduna State Police Command alleged that Abubakar’s motorcycle collided with a stationary Mobile Police vehicle and he fled the scene, a claim the family vehemently disputed.
Reacting to the development, Amnesty said the investigation into the “horrific killing” must be immediate and impartial.
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The human rights body said the police must be prevented from handling the investigation to ensure impartiality.
The statement reads, “It is imperative that the investigation is conducted by a body entirely separate from the Nigeria Police to ensure impartiality and to maintain public confidence in the process.
“Abdulraheem was killed in a gruesome manner near Garkuwa Hospital junction on Sultan Road Kaduna, by a ‘police’ van which knocked down the motorcycle he was riding.
“This is not the time for denials and narratives. The authorities must also investigate his family’s allegation that ‘the police (are) attempting to cover up the incident’.”
Amnesty’s director, Sanusi said, “The killing of Abdulraheem yet again shows increasing utter disregard for the sanctity of life.
“The Nigerian authorities must immediately prioritise opening an investigation that is independent, impartial and transparent.”
Minister for Youth Development in Nigeria, Ayodele Olawande vowed to ensure justice is served in the matter, disclosing that his office has activated the Nigerian Youth HelpDesk to verify the circumstances surrounding the postgraduate student’s demise.