Tragedy, as policemen driving against traffic kill ABU graduate in Kaduna
Tragedy, as policemen driving against traffic kill ABU graduate in Kaduna
A young Nigerian engineer, Abdurraheem Mustapha, has lost his life in Kaduna after allegedly being struck by policemen who were driving against traffic.
Mustapha, a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, was pursuing his Master’s degree in Engineering at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, until his tragic death.
He also worked in Abuja before the incident cut short his promising career.
According to his family, the fatal encounter occurred on Friday, 29th August 2025, near Garkuwa Junction in Kaduna. “On his way to NDA for lectures, his life was cut short in the most painful and unjust way,” the family said.
They alleged that a police patrol van knocked down the motorcycle he was riding.
His elder brother, Sabiu Mustapha Abubakar, while recounting the ordeal, said the policemen were driving against traffic at high speed.
“He was on a bike that Friday when the police van, which was following one-way, came speeding.
“They hit him on the head while the bike was in motion.
“He was seated at the back of the bike when they struck him with a stick at the back of his head,” Sabiu narrated.
He added that it took the intervention of bystanders before the policemen agreed to take the victim to a hospital.
“The people there insisted he must be taken to a hospital.
“That was what made the police personnel take him. But when they saw the situation was serious, they ran away,” he said bitterly.
Doctors later confirmed that Abdurraheem died from the force of the heavy bamboo stick, locally called Gora, used to hit him.
“His body did not suffer any other harm except for the fatal blow to the head,” Sabiu added.
The family has accused the police of attempting to cover up the incident by claiming that the motorcycle collided with a car.
“Many eyewitnesses deny such claims. It is unfortunate that those meant to protect him killed him,” the family lamented.
The incident has once again stirred public outrage over police conduct in Nigeria, particularly the recurring issues of brutality and disregard for human rights.
Despite repeated promises of reform from police authorities, allegations of abuse of power and arbitrary killings by officers continue to plague the Force.
