LAGOS, Nigeria — The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed viral claims suggesting that the death of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Khan Salihu was connected to a kidnapping incident, urging the public to disregard the false report circulating on social media.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, issued a statement on Tuesday clarifying the circumstances surrounding the officer’s death. He described the viral narrative as entirely baseless and an attempt to mislead the public about the tragic incident.
DCP Khan Salihu, who served as the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) at Panti, Yaba, was confirmed dead on Monday. Reports indicated that the senior officer slumped and died in his office while preparing to attend a conference at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The police spokesperson stated that Salihu had been feeling unwell prior to his death. He had reportedly complained of fatigue and discomfort before collapsing at his desk. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
“We are aware of the false narrative being spread on social media that DCP Salihu’s death was linked to a kidnapping case. This is completely untrue,” Hundeyin said. “The officer died of natural causes after a brief illness. We urge members of the public to stop spreading unverified information and allow the family to mourn in peace.”
The police command has called on Nigerians to be cautious about the information they consume and share on social media, warning that false narratives can cause unnecessary panic and harm the reputation of individuals and institutions.
DCP Salihu had served in various capacities across the country before his posting to Lagos State. He was known for his professionalism and commitment to duty, and his death has been described as a significant loss to the Nigeria Police Force.
The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, CP Ishola Olanrewaju, expressed profound sadness over the passing of the senior officer. In a condolence message, he described Salihu as a dedicated and hardworking officer whose service to the nation would not be forgotten.
As investigations into the circumstances of the officer’s death continue, the police command has reiterated its commitment to transparency and urged the public to respect the privacy of the deceased’s family during this difficult time. For now, the Lagos State Police Command’s message is clear: the late DCP was not a victim of kidnapping, and the viral claims are nothing but falsehoods.
