By Peter Omopo
September 2, 2025
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has pledged to pursue justice for Abdulraheem Abubakar, a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and postgraduate student at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, who died in an incident involving Mobile Police personnel.
Abubakar was reportedly struck on the head by a police officer while riding a motorcycle on August 29. His brother, Sabiu Mustapha Abubakar, and eyewitnesses alleged that bystanders had to insist the victim be taken to the hospital. The family further accused the police of attempting to cover up the matter by claiming that the motorcycle collided with a car, a version denied by witnesses.
Reacting in a statement on Monday, September 1, Olawande described the case as “a matter of grave concern,” assuring the victim’s family, Kaduna youth, and Nigerians that the Ministry would ensure transparency.
“This matter is of grave concern to me. I want to assure his family, the youth of Kaduna State, and Nigerians at large that the Nigerian Youth HelpDesk was established precisely to address issues of this nature where young people face injustice, abuse, neglect, or risk of any kind. I have already activated, through the HelpDesk platform, the necessary steps to investigate and verify what actually transpired,” the minister said.
The Kaduna State Police Command, however, presented a different account. Police spokesperson Mansir Hassan stated that the motorcycle was being ridden at high speed on Sultan Road, near Garkuwa Hospital, when it collided with a stationary Mobile Police vehicle. He added that the passenger became unconscious while the rider fled the scene.
“The personnel, rather than abandoning the victim, promptly rushed him to the hospital for medical attention to save his life and equally reported themselves stating their identity and wrote a statement… Unfortunately, despite efforts to save his life, the victim was later confirmed dead while receiving treatment,” Hassan said.
The Ministry noted that it would engage stakeholders, including the Nigerian Police Force, to ensure the matter is addressed “in a fair, transparent, and accountable manner.”
While appealing for calm among youths in Kaduna, Olawande described Abubakar’s death as a painful reminder of the need to strengthen institutions and protect young Nigerians.
“Engr. Abdulraheem’s tragic death is a painful reminder of why we must continue to strengthen institutions, demand accountability, and protect the dignity and lives of our young people. The Ministry of Youth Development stands firmly with Nigerian youth and will continue to work in defence of their rights and safety,” he said.
