The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has issued a strong rebuttal to circulating online reports alleging the kidnapping and subsequent murder of retired Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, David Shikfu Parradang, in Abuja. The command categorically stated that these reports are false and misleading.
The initial reports, disseminated by a counter-insurgency publication, painted a grim picture of an attack on Parradang in the Area 1 district of Abuja on Tuesday morning. These reports claimed that the former Immigration chief was targeted after withdrawing a substantial amount of cash from a bank. The assailants were alleged to have followed him, seized the money, and then fatally attacked him.
However, the FCT Police Command, through its spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, has provided a detailed account that contradicts these claims. In a formal statement, Adeh clarified the circumstances surrounding Parradang’s death, emphasizing that it occurred within a hotel room, not as a result of a kidnapping or robbery.
According to the police account, on March 3, 2025, at approximately 12:00 PM, Mr. Parradang arrived at Joy House Hotel, located at Area 3 Junction, driving a black Mercedes Benz. He registered at the hotel, paying a fee of twenty-two thousand naira (N22,000) for a single night’s accommodation. Shortly after checking in, Parradang requested the hotel room attendant to escort a female guest to his room. This female visitor subsequently left the hotel premises around 04:00 PM on the same day.
Following the departure of the female guest, Parradang remained in his room. He did not leave the room or interact with hotel staff for the remainder of the day. The situation took a concerning turn in the early hours of the following day, March 4, 2025. At approximately 04:00 AM, a friend of Parradang, who is a military officer, became alarmed due to his inability to reach him. The officer, concerned for Parradang’s well-being, decided to trace him to the Joy House Hotel.
Upon arriving at the hotel, the military officer, along with the hotel receptionist, proceeded to Parradang’s room. They discovered him deceased, seated in a chair. The discovery prompted an immediate notification to the Durumi Police Station.
Officers from the Durumi Police Station swiftly responded to the scene. They secured the area, conducted a thorough examination, took photographs, and collected all relevant evidence to preserve the integrity of the scene. The body of Mr. Parradang was subsequently transferred to the National Hospital for necessary procedures, including an autopsy, to determine the precise cause of death.
SP Adeh emphasized that the hotel staff are fully cooperating with the ongoing police investigations.
The police are meticulously reviewing all available evidence and conducting interviews to gather a comprehensive understanding of the events leading to Parradang’s death. The command reiterated its commitment to conducting a thorough and impartial investigation to uncover the truth behind the incident.
The FCT Police Command also urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information and to rely on official sources for accurate updates.