GOMBE, NIGERIA — The tragic death of 28-year-old Saleem Ahmed Nana, a serving corps member in Gombe State, has sparked outrage and growing demands for justice amid allegations of police brutality and a subsequent cover-up.
Saleem, a graduate of Environmental Management Technology from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, was reportedly assaulted by security operatives—comprising police officers and local vigilantes—on May 21, 2025, at his family home in Kwadon, Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area. He died ten days later on May 31, after a sharp decline in his health allegedly caused by the severe beating.
His only crime? Wearing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) uniform at the wrong place, at the wrong time.
> “He had just returned from his place of primary assignment at the Ministry of Water Resources and Environment,” said his grief-stricken father, Bako Ahmed Nana. “Then they stormed our house, accusing him of being involved in an attack on a Divisional Police Officer. But he was innocent. He was in his NYSC uniform. People tried to explain, but they beat him right in front of us.”
Saleem was one of 25 people arrested in connection with the assault on CSP Adamu Alhaji-Idi, the Divisional Police Officer in the area. His family, however, insists he was innocent—wrongfully profiled and brutally punished for a crime he neither committed nor knew about.
According to family accounts, Saleem sustained a broken leg during the arrest. He later began vomiting blood and deteriorated rapidly. Despite eventually being released by police in critical condition, he died en route to the hospital.
> “He was the pillar of this family—our first son, our pride,” Bako said, his voice heavy with emotion. “His death has shattered us. His mother hasn’t stopped crying. And to think we’ve heard nothing from the police—not even a condolence visit.”
Saleem had only a few months left to complete his national service. Now, his NYSC uniform, once a symbol of duty and patriotism, hangs hauntingly by the doorway of the family home—bloodstained by injustice, and stiffened by sorrow.
The silence from authorities has only deepened the family’s pain, but it has also galvanized action.
On June 9, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Gombe filed a formal petition demanding a full investigation and prosecution of those responsible. The petition names senior police officers, including CSP Adamu Alhaji-Idi and CSP Ali Hadaki, accusing them of gross misconduct, unlawful detention, and aggravated assault.
> “This cannot be swept under the rug,” said Barrister Kabiru, who signed the petition. “No Nigerian youth—especially not one serving their country—deserves to be tortured to death. If we let this go, we are declaring open season on innocent citizens.”
According to the NBA, Saleem was initially taken to the Kwadon Police Division before being transferred to the Gombe State Police Headquarters, where he allegedly suffered further abuse. He was later released in a critical condition, barely able to speak or walk.
The Gombe State Police Command, however, has denied any wrongdoing. In a statement, ASP Buhari Abdullahi, spokesperson for the command, claimed that Saleem’s death was due to complications from diabetes and that he underwent a leg amputation in the hospital.
But Saleem’s family and friends have strongly rejected the police narrative.
> “My son was never diabetic,” his father stated bluntly. “There was no amputation. His leg was swollen—beaten to a pulp, not surgically removed. We buried him ourselves. We saw his body. The police are lying to escape accountability.”
Eyewitnesses and photos obtained by WikkiTimes support the family’s version of events. The images reveal visible signs of trauma—severe swelling and bruises on Saleem’s leg consistent with blunt-force injuries, not medical amputation.
As Nigerians process yet another alleged case of fatal police brutality, human rights advocates and civil society groups are rallying behind Saleem’s family. They are calling on the National Human Rights Commission, the NYSC, and the federal government to investigate and ensure that justice is served.
> “This isn’t just about one young man,” said Barrister Kabiru. “This is about every youth corps member who swears an oath to serve Nigeria. If we allow this injustice to go unchecked, we’re telling young Nigerians that their lives don’t matter.”
As the family prepares to hold a memorial service, their home remains a portrait of unhealed grief. Saleem’s uniform, draped like a mourning shroud, stands as a chilling symbol of a promise betrayed.
Until justice is done, the wounds left by his death will fester—not only in his family’s hearts, but in the conscience of the nation.
#JusticeForSaleem #EndPoliceBrutality #ProtectTheYouth
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