By Ikugbadi Segun
A 100-level course 9 police cadet, Suliamon Jika, dropped dead at the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State, on Saturday, after being continuously starved and malnourished for over two weeks.
Some of the cadets accused the Commandant, Assistant Inspector-General, Sadiq Abubakar, of high-handedness and financial mismanagement of feeding allowance meant for the students.
Jika, who hailed from Adamawa State, and was in the Department of Computer Science, collapsed inside the toilet in the early hours of Saturday.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by ASP Hussain Suleman, Police Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Police Academy (POLAC), he said; “The Nigeria Police Academy (POLAC) is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Mr. Sulaiman Jika, one of its cherished cadets, who succumbed to a brief and unexpected illness. Jika, a dedicated cadet from the Department of Computer Science, was a proud native of Adamawa state.
Speaking further,the statement said on 29th August, 2023, he sought medical attention at the Academy Clinic due to an ailment. Following a diligent course of treatment and his gradual recovery, he was certified fit and discharged by the Medical Doctor on call the next day, and tasked to return at regular intervals for checks which he adhered to.
However, fate took an unforeseen turn. On 2nd September 2023, he was once again admitted to the clinic for further examination and care following a complaint of restlessness. Though his vitals were normal upon examination and all necessary medical steps were taken, we regrettably report his untimely passing.”
AIG Sadiq Idris Abubakar, Commandant of the Nigeria Police Academy, extends his deepest condolences to the grieving family, friends, and loved ones of Cadet Sulaiman Jika.
From findings, a colleague of the deceased said the facilities in the health care are inadequate and the budget expended on the academy is lean.