The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed reports claiming that retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Khan Salihu was kidnapped before his death, describing the allegations as false and unfounded.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Command’s spokesperson, ACP Abimbola Adebisi, said the late senior police officer was never abducted and had no involvement in any criminal incident before his death.
According to the police, Salihu experienced a brief health challenge and was immediately taken to a hospital for urgent medical care. However, doctors confirmed him dead upon arrival.
The Command said reports suggesting that the former DCP was kidnapped by suspected criminals were entirely inaccurate and did not reflect the circumstances surrounding his death.
Adebisi noted that the publication responsible for the report failed to verify its claims with relevant authorities before disseminating the information, resulting in the spread of falsehoods among members of the public.
“The Command wishes to state categorically that prior to his passing, DCP Khan Salihu briefly complained of feeling unwell and was immediately rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention. Sadly, upon arrival, medical doctors confirmed him dead. 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 read.
The police expressed concern that the report had not only misled the public but also compounded the grief of the deceased officer’s family, friends and former colleagues during a period of mourning.
The Command described the publication as insensitive, stressing that Salihu served the nation with distinction throughout his policing career and deserved to be remembered accurately.
“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 added.
Consequently, the Lagos State Police Command called on the media organisation behind the report to immediately withdraw the publication and issue a public correction as well as an apology over the misinformation.
The Command reiterated the importance of responsible journalism and urged media practitioners to verify sensitive information before publication, especially in matters involving the death of public figures.
