From Our Correspondent – Makurdi

The Benue State Police Command has denied Extra-judicial Killing of a robbery suspect.

In a statement by the spokes person of the Command
DSP Udeme Edet, explained that, on 20th September 2025, at about 2030hrs, operatives of Operation Zenda, booked an armed robbery suspect named Philip Fanen Kpentuman for possible recovery of operational firearms.

“Acting on intelligence, the suspect led the operatives to a hideout at Tse-Tamen settlement, Ugondu, Makurdi, where a locally made pistol with five cartridges concealed in a black nylon bag was recovered.

Upon recovery of the exhibits, the suspect requested to ease himself but instead attempted to escape from custody. He was rearrested with the assistance of youths in the community, who nearly lynch him for his criminal antecedents before the Police swiftly rescued him.

Shortly after being rescued, the suspect complained of severe body pains. He was immediately rushed to Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi where he was later confirmed dead by a medical doctor.

His corpse has been deposited at the hospital morgue for autopsy.

The Command strongly refutes the claim of extrajudicial killing and wishes to emphasize that Police actions are geared towards saving lifes.

The State Criminal and Investigation Department, SCID is making further Investigation into the matter and further developments will be communicated in due course.

The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Emenari Ifeanyi, reiterates the Command’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, and accountability while urging the public to desist from spreading unverified information that could mislead the public and undermine trust in law enforcement.”

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