The tragic death of Saleem Ahmed Nana, a 28-year-old National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member in Gombe State, has sparked widespread outrage, with his family and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) demanding justice and a full investigation into the alleged police brutality that led to his demise.
Saleem, a graduate of Environmental Management Technology from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, died on May 31—10 days after he was arrested and reportedly brutalised by security agents, including police officers and vigilantes, at his family home in Kwadon, Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area.
According to his father, Bako Ahmed Nana, Saleem had just returned from his place of primary assignment at the state’s Ministry of Water Resources and Environment when officers stormed their residence. Despite being clad in his NYSC uniform, Saleem was allegedly accused of being involved in an attack on a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and was beaten in full view of his family.
“They said he was part of the mob that attacked the DPO,” Mr. Nana told reporters. “But that is false. People told them he was a corps member, but they didn’t care. They beat him mercilessly in front of us.”
Saleem was among 25 people arrested over the assault on CSP Adamu Alhaji-Idi, the DPO of Kwadon. His family insists he was innocent, had no link to the incident, and was wrongfully profiled.
The consequences were dire. Saleem reportedly sustained a broken leg and later began vomiting blood while in police custody. Though he was eventually released, he died en route to the hospital.
The family says the lack of official response has compounded their grief. “No apology. No visit. No word from the police. Nothing,” his father lamented. “His death has shattered our family. His mother hasn’t stopped crying.”
Saleem, who was the first son and a quiet, well-loved figure in his community, had just a few months left to complete his national service.
His death has since drawn the attention of the Gombe branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, which filed a formal petition on June 9, calling for an investigation and the prosecution of the officers allegedly responsible.
Signed by Barrister Kabiru, the petition specifically named senior officers including CSP Adamu Alhaji-Idi and CSP Ali Hadaki as culpable. It also outlined how Saleem was first taken to Kwadon Police Division and later transferred to the state police headquarters, where he was allegedly subjected to further abuse before being released in critical condition.
“We are seeking justice for Saleem,” said Kabiru. “This cannot go unpunished. No Nigerian youth—especially one serving his country—deserves to die like this.”
In response, the police have denied wrongdoing. The spokesperson of the Gombe State Police Command, ASP Buhari Abdullahi, claimed that Saleem died from complications related to diabetes and had undergone a leg amputation in the hospital.
But this version of events has been vehemently denied by Saleem’s family and those who witnessed his burial.
“My son was never diabetic. There was no amputation,” said Mr. Nana. “We saw his body. His leg was swollen from injuries, but it was intact. The police are trying to cover this up.”
Eyewitnesses at the burial corroborated this, noting that Saleem’s leg showed signs of severe blunt-force trauma but no surgical incisions or amputations.
Now, the family has issued a public plea for intervention. They are calling on President Bola Tinubu, the National Human Rights Commission, and the NYSC to ensure justice is served and that those responsible are held accountable.
“This is not just about Saleem,” said Barrister Kabiru. “It’s about protecting every corps member and every young Nigerian who dares to serve this country. If this goes unanswered, who among us is safe?”
As the family prepares for Saleem’s memorial, his NYSC uniform now hangs solemnly by their doorway—a once-proud symbol of national service, now a haunting reminder of a life cut short and justice yet to be served.
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