Abdullahi Tukur Abba, a 17-year-old student, tragically lost his life due to alleged torture by security personnel associated with Operation Farauta in Yola, Adamawa State.
The unfortunate incident unfolded after Abdullahi was apprehended on August 5, 2023, during his SSCE exams. He was accused by a neighbor of stealing an iPhone 7, prompting the individual to file a complaint with the task force.
Reports suggest that Abdullahi was subjected to severe beatings by the task force, ultimately leaving him unconscious. He was later admitted to Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital in Yola, where he passed away on Wednesday, August 9.
Barrister Abubakar Hamman Diram, representing the family, confirmed Abdullahi's death after four days in a coma. According to Diram, the victim denied any involvement in the theft and even suggested using tracking technology to trace the phone's location. Despite his plea, he was subjected to torture until losing consciousness and subsequently passing away in the hospital's ICU unit.
The family's lawyer had filed a petition to the Adamawa State Commissioner of Police, and copies were sent to the National Human Rights Commission and the Officer in Charge of Operation Farauta, seeking justice for Abdullahi, who remained in a coma at the time of filing.
Dr. Tukur Abba, Abdullahi's father, expressed his intent to file a court case against those who accused his son and those responsible for his tragic death. Concerned residents criticized Operation Farauta for veering off its intended focus and infringing upon people's rights.
DSP Sulaiman Nguroje, the spokesperson of the State Police Command, confirmed the incident and assured that an investigation was underway to ensure justice prevails.
Operation Farauta, led by a collaboration of military personnel, soldiers, police officers, operatives from the Directorate of State Security (DSS), and members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has been involved in this distressing turn of events.
