Police cadet dies of alleged starvation in academy
By Agnes Okoh
A 100-level course 9 police cadet Sulaiman Jika has died at the Nigeria Police Academy (POLAC), Wudil, Kano State after allegedly being starved and malnourished for over two weeks.
Salien Times report that Jika, a native of Adamawa State, who was in the Department of Computer Science, collapsed inside the toilet in the early hours of Saturday.
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.
“He was left untreated (at the academy’s clinic) because there are no drugs and no medical officer to attend to him in the unconducive environment before he gave up and died,” a source quoted by PUNCH said.
Another cadet who spoke on the condition of anonymity said: “Cadets collapse daily here during training due to fatigue, because it’s either they’re starved, malnourished, or both.”
Reacting to the incident, POLAC spokesman Hussain Suleman said in a statement on Sunday, “The Nigeria Police Academy (POLAC) is deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of its cherished cadets, Mr Sulaiman Jika, 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.
“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.
“The Commandant of the Nigeria Police Academy, AIG Sadiq Idris Abubakar, extends his deepest condolences to the grieving family, friends, and loved ones of Cadet Sulaiman Jika. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this period of profound sorrow. May God Almighty grant them the strength and resilience to bear this heavy loss.”
