Nasarawa: Woman, 45, tortured to death in DSS custody

• Adamu was accused of being involved in the purported abduction of an unnamed teenage boy in her vicinity.

One Salamatu Adamu has reportedly died in the custody of Department of State Services, DSS, in Nasarawa State.

The State Command of the secret police reportedly tortured the 45-year-old woman to death.

According to reports, the tragic incident was connected to Adamu’s arrest over a kidnapping case.

Adamu was accused of being involved in the purported abduction of an unnamed teenage boy in her vicinity.

The victim, a mother of two girls and a boy, was a grain grinder and her business was located in front of her residence at Tudun Kofa in Lafia.

The accuser, believed to be in DSS custody, alleged in a confessional statement that Adamu was seen chasing children who were obstructing her business.

The family of the deceased, through their counsel, Abubakar Abubakar Dogara, and eight others of A. A. Dogara & Co, had since submitted a complaint letter to the Director General of the DSS at the National Headquarters in Abuja.

The letter, dated November 17, 2023, alleged the unlawful detention, torture, and eventual death of Salamatu Adamu, calling for a thorough investigation and justice.

The husband of the deceased, Mr. Musa Shittu Mohammed, appealed to the DSS Director General for fairness and justice.

The family’s legal representative stated that if justice is not served, they would be compelled to explore legal avenues against the security establishment.

A source familiar with the matter revealed that Salamatu was whisked awayby individuals dressed in black, thrown into a vehicle, and subjected to physical abuse. The witness disclosed that she was asked to kneel down while being beaten.

The spokesperson for the DSS in Nasarawa, Mr. Muhammed Musa, declined to comment on the matter, saying he needed permission from the national headquarters.

The national spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, promised to provide information once properly briefed but had not responded by the time of compiling this report.