The family of a National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operative has refuted media reports alleging that they criticized the agency following the tragic death of their loved one, Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics 1, Aliyu Imran.

PRNigeria reports that Imran, who got married in December 2024, was brutally lynched by a mob in the Gadan-Gayan area of Igabi Local Government, Kaduna State, while on duty. The incident occurred after Imran and his colleagues pursued a suspected drug dealer. In an attempt to evade arrest, the suspect reversed his vehicle, causing an accident that claimed the lives of at least three people on the spot.

When Imran attempted to calm the ensuing chaos, an enraged mob attacked him, stabbing him multiple times. A police officer managed to transport him to a nearby hospital, but the mob followed, dragged him out, and set him on fire. He succumbed to his injuries shortly after.

Some media outlets reported that the deceased officer?s family accused the NDLEA of failing to issue a statement or offer condolences. However, the family has strongly denied these claims.

In a statement obtained by PRNigeria, the Head of the Family, Alhaji Hassan Idris Funtua, clarified their position:

?We, the family of Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics Aliyu Imran, wish to address the recent media reports regarding the tragic death of our beloved son. These reports falsely claim that we accused the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of neglect. We categorically deny this allegation.

?In reality, the NDLEA has been supportive and proactive in their response to this tragedy. The Chairman/CEO, General Muhammadu Buba Marwa, personally reached out to us within hours of the incident, offering condolences and assurances of his commitment to addressing the issue.

?Furthermore, officials from the NDLEA Kaduna State Command attended Aliyu's burial and informed us of the suspension of the Commander involved. A delegation from NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja also visited us on Sunday, February 16, 2025, to express their solidarity.

?We urge the general public to disregard the misleading reports, as they lack merit and do not reflect our family's position. We request that media houses respect our grief and refrain from diverting attention from the main issue ? the gruesome murder of Aliyu Imran, a promising young man who was brutally taken from us just 48 days after his wedding.

?Our focus now is on coming to terms with this senseless tragedy and seeking justice. We have faith that the law will take its course, and those responsible will be held accountable.?

The NDLEA has yet to issue an official statement on the incident, but sources indicate that an internal investigation is underway. Meanwhile, authorities have vowed to bring those responsible for the mob action to justice. (By PRNigeria)

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