The Adamawa State Police Command has firmly denied allegations of torture, starvation, and coercion made in a viral social media video by one of the suspects in the ongoing investigation into the murder of Thomas Godwin, popularly known as Zamfara.

In the video, Umar Ibrahim, also known as Sarkin Pawa of Kala’a, claimed that he and other suspects were subjected to inhumane treatment while in police custody. He alleged that they were forced to confess under duress, prompting public concern and reactions across various online platforms.

However, in a swift response, the Police Command dismissed the claims as baseless and misleading, stressing that all procedures during the investigation adhered strictly to professional and international standards.

A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, clarified that the suspects were not only lawfully arrested but were also treated in accordance with legal protocols.

According to the Command, nine suspects were apprehended in connection with the case and later transferred to the Force Intelligence Rapid Response Team (FIRRT) in Abuja for further discreet investigation. The statement emphasized that all confessional statements were taken in the presence of the State Legal Aid Council, and the entire process was video recorded to ensure transparency and accountability.

“The rights of the suspects were never violated. All arrests, interviews, and procedures followed global best practices in criminal investigation,” the statement read. The Command further described the viral video as an orchestrated attempt to discredit the investigation and undermine the integrity of the police.

While reaffirming its commitment to upholding the rights of all individuals, the Command warned against spreading misinformation that could jeopardize ongoing investigations and mislead the public.