By Esther Onyegbula
The Lagos State Police Command on Monday dismissed reports alleging that the late Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Khan Salihu, was kidnapped before his death, describing the publication as false, misleading and a complete fabrication.
The Command said DCP Salihu was never abducted at any point prior to his demise, clarifying that the senior police officer died after a brief illness.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, the police condemned what it described as a reckless and irresponsible report published by a media platform without proper verification.
“The Lagos State Police Command strongly condemns and unequivocally debunks the false, reckless, and highly irresponsible publication alleging that the late Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Khan Salihu, was kidnapped by suspected criminals before his death,” the statement read.
“For the avoidance of doubt, DCP Khan Salihu was never kidnapped at any time prior to his demise. The report is entirely false, misleading, and a complete fabrication with no basis in fact whatsoever.”
According to the Command, the late officer had complained of feeling unwell shortly before his death and was immediately taken to a hospital for medical attention.
“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,” the statement added.
“At no time was he abducted, kidnapped, or involved in any incident remotely connected to criminal activity as falsely portrayed in the publication.”
The police expressed concern about what it described as the media organisation behind the report’s failure to verify the information through official channels before publication.
The Command noted that the publication amounted to a breach of the principles of responsible journalism and had caused unnecessary distress to the deceased officer’s family, friends and colleagues.
“The Command finds it deeply disturbing and professionally disappointing that such a spurious and unverified story could be published by a recognised media platform without the slightest attempt to verify the information from the appropriate authorities,” Adebisi stated.
“This represents a serious breach of the fundamental principles of responsible journalism and has unnecessarily misled the public while causing avoidable pain and distress to the family, friends, and professional colleagues of the late senior officer.”
The police further described the report as insensitive, particularly at a time when family members, colleagues and the Command were mourning the loss of an officer who, it said, served the nation with dedication and distinction.
“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 said.
Consequently, the Lagos State Police Command demanded the immediate withdrawal of the report and called on the media organisation responsible to issue a public correction and apology.
“The Lagos State Police Command therefore demands the immediate withdrawal of the false report and urges the media organisation concerned to issue a public correction and apology in the interest of truth, professionalism, and public accountability,” the statement added.
The Command also urged members of the public to disregard the publication and rely only on information disseminated through its official communication channels.
It reaffirmed its commitment to combating misinformation and ensuring that accurate, timely and verified information is made available to the public.
“The Command remains committed to combating misinformation and will continue to provide accurate, timely, and verified information to the public,” Adebisi stated.
