The Lagos State Police Command has officially debunked reports claiming that the late Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Khan Salihu, was kidnapped before his death, describing the publication as false, reckless, and highly irresponsible.
In a press release signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, on Tuesday, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command. The police authority set the record straight on the circumstances surrounding the senior officer’s demise, insisting that he died after a brief illness and was never abducted at any time.
The Command stated unequivocally that the viral report alleging DCP Khan Salihu was kidnapped by suspected criminals is entirely untrue and has no basis in reality.
“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,” the statement read in part.
According to the police, the late DCP had only complained of feeling unwell shortly before his death and was immediately rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention. Sadly, he was pronounced dead upon arrival by attending doctors.
The Command stressed that at no point was the deceased involved in any incident linked to criminal activity, as falsely portrayed in the misleading publication.
“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 clarified.
The Lagos State Police Command also expressed deep disappointment over the failure of the media platform that published the story to verify its claims from appropriate authorities before going to press.
Police Demand Apology, Withdrawal of False Salihu Report
Describing the act as a serious breach of responsible journalism, the Command said the unfounded report has not only misled the public but also inflicted unnecessary pain and distress on the family, friends, and colleagues of the late senior officer.
“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,” the statement added.
The police further noted that the publication was particularly insensitive, coming at a time when the Command, family members, and loved ones are still mourning the loss of a dedicated and accomplished senior officer who served the nation with distinction.
“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 Command said.
Consequently, the Lagos State Police Command has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the false report and urged the media organisation involved to issue a public correction and apology in the interest of truth, professionalism, and public accountability.
Members of the public have also been advised to disregard the publication entirely and rely only on official information released through verified channels of the Lagos State Police Command.
“The Command remains committed to combating misinformation and will continue to provide accurate, timely, and verified information to the public,” SP Adebisi assured.
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