Saleem, who hailed from Bauchi State, died on May 31, 10 days after he was arrested and reportedly beaten while wearing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) uniform at his family home in Kwadon, Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area.
The family of Saleem Ahmed Nana, a serving corps member in Gombe State, is demanding justice following his tragic death, allegedly caused by a brutal assault by police officers.
Saleem, who hailed from Bauchi State, died on May 31, 10 days after he was arrested and reportedly beaten while wearing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) uniform at his family home in Kwadon, Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area.
His father, Bako Ahmed Nana, told WikkiTimes that the 28-year-old had just returned from his place of primary assignment at the Ministry of Water Resources and Environment when security operatives, including police officers and local vigilantes, stormed their home.
“They accused him of being part of an attack on a Divisional Police Officer,” Bako said. “But he was innocent. He was wearing his NYSC uniform. People told them he was a corps member, but they didn’t listen. They beat him right in front of us,” WikkiTimes quoted him as saying.
Saleem was one of 25 persons arrested that day in connection with an attack on CSP Adamu Alhaji-Idi, the Divisional Police Officer of the area. His family insists he had no connection to the incident and was wrongfully profiled.
The aftermath of his arrest was devastating. Saleem reportedly suffered a broken leg and later began vomiting blood. His health rapidly deteriorated, and despite being released by the police days later, he died while being rushed to the hospital.
Saleem, the first son of his family, graduated with a degree in Environmental Management Technology from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi. He had only a few months left to complete his national service when he died.
“He was a quiet, kind young man,” his father said. “His death has shattered us. His mother hasn’t stopped crying.”
What has compounded the family’s pain is the lack of response from authorities. “No apology. No condolence. Nothing from the police,” the father further told WikkiTimes.
On June 9, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Gombe filed a petition demanding a full investigation and prosecution of the officers involved in Saleem’s death. The petition, addressed to the police authorities, named senior officers, including CSP Adamu Aliyu Idi and CSP Ali Hadaki, as responsible for the assault.
The NBA alleges that after Saleem’s arrest, he was taken to the Kwadon Police Division, then transferred to the state police headquarters, where he was subjected to further abuse. He was eventually released in critical condition.
“We are seeking justice for Saleem,” said Barrister Kabiru, who signed the petition.
“This cannot go unpunished. No one—especially a corps member serving his country—deserves to die like this.”
The police, however, have presented a contradictory version.
ASP Buhari Abdullahi, spokesperson of the Gombe State Police Command, claimed that Saleem died from diabetic complications and had a leg amputated in the hospital.
But Saleem’s family and friends have strongly refuted this claim.
“My son was never diabetic. There was no amputation,” said his father. “We saw his body. His leg was swollen from injuries. We buried him ourselves. The police are trying to cover this up.”
Images obtained by WikkiTimes and accounts from those who participated in his burial confirm that his leg showed signs of severe swelling consistent with blunt trauma, not amputation.
Now, the family is turning their pain into a public plea. They are calling on the Nigerian government, the National Human Rights Commission, and the NYSC to intervene and ensure accountability.
“This is not just about Saleem,” Barrister Kabiru said. “This is about every Nigerian youth who wears that uniform in service. If this goes unpunished, who is safe?”
As the family prepares for Saleem’s memorial, his NYSC uniform—once a symbol of national service and hope—hangs at their doorway, a grim reminder of a life lost too soon, and a justice yet to be served.
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