The family of Abdulmumin Imam has accused police officers from the Taraba State Command of assaulting him and secretly moving him to an unknown location following his arrest in Abuja—allegations the police have denied, insisting the action was part of an ongoing investigation.

Speaking in an interview with PUNCH Metro on Wednesday, Imam Adam, who identified himself as the elder brother of the detainee, said Imam was arrested on Tuesday by a police sergeant allegedly sent from Taraba State over a cyberbullying complaint linked to a social media post demanding accountability from the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency.

Adam said an invitation had earlier been sent to Imam last month after he questioned the distribution of relief materials by the agency, adding that his brother acknowledged the invitation through his lawyer and requested time to honour it.

He alleged that the officer later invited Imam to a meeting in Abuja under the pretext of discussion but arrested him upon arrival.

“As soon as the man saw him, he slapped him, pushed him into a car, and they drove to the police station where he was detained,” Adam claimed.

According to him, Imam was initially taken to the Federal Capital Territory Criminal Investigation Department before being transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad facility.

He further alleged that at about 3am, an unregistered SUV with armed men in plain clothes arrived at the facility and took his brother to an unknown destination.

“As it is, we don’t know his whereabouts. Our demand is justice and his freedom. If he committed any offence, let him be informed and allowed access to his family members and lawyers,” he added.

Speaking with our correspondent, the Taraba State Commissioner of Police, Morkwap Dongshal, confirmed that Abdulmumin had been taken to Taraba from Abuja, assuring that he would not be denied a fair hearing.

He said, “I came for an assignment here in Abuja. I have been made to understand he was picked from Abuja to Taraba. When I get back, I will find out the details. I don’t want to rely on hearsay.

“I want to see the documents myself. If he has no case to answer, I will let him go. I can assure you he will be granted a fair hearing. I am not that kind of police officer.”

However, the state Police Command, in a statement issued by its Acting Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Victor Mshelizah, said the arrest followed several petitions received against Imam.

The Command stated that Imam had earlier been invited for questioning but allegedly failed to honour the invitations.

“In line with the constitutional mandate of the Nigeria Police Force to investigate complaints brought before it, an invitation was extended to him to avail himself for questioning. However, he reportedly failed to honour earlier invitations,” the statement read.

The police added that officers only approached him to assist investigators and denied allegations of assault or abduction.

“At no time was Imam assaulted or subjected to any form of inhuman treatment, nor was he forcefully taken against his will, as some reports insinuate,” the command said.

It noted that the invitation was intended to enable him to provide his account regarding the petitions and assured that he would be released if found not culpable after investigations.

The Command also urged the public and media organisations to verify information before circulating claims capable of misleading the public, reiterating its commitment to professionalism and respect for citizens’ rights.

When contacted over allegations that she influenced Imam’s arrest, the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency Director-General, Audu Echuseh, forwarded a police statement to our correspondent. When asked whether she was among those who petitioned the police, she declined to comment further. (The PUNCH)