Benue State Police Command Investigates Death of Armed Robbery Suspect

The Benue State Police Command has released a statement regarding the death of an armed robbery suspect in custody, following an incident on September 20, 2025. The suspect, identified as Philip Fanen Kpentuman, was apprehended by operatives of Operation Zenda at approximately 2:30 AM in a targeted operation aimed at recovering operational firearms.

Acting on intelligence, the suspect led police to a hideout in Tse-Tamen settlement, Ugondo, Makurdi, where a locally made pistol with five cartridges, concealed in a black nylon bag, was recovered. During the operation, the suspect requested to relieve himself but instead attempted to escape custody. He was rearrested with the assistance of local youths, who nearly lynched him due to his known criminal antecedents before police intervened to rescue him.

Shortly after being rescued, the suspect complained of severe body pains and was immediately rushed to Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi. He was later confirmed dead by a medical doctor, and his corpse has been deposited at the hospital morgue for autopsy.

The Command strongly refutes claims of extrajudicial killing, emphasizing that police actions are geared towards saving lives. The State Criminal and Investigation Department (SCID) is conducting further investigations, with updates to be communicated in due course.

Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Emenari Ifeanyi, PhD, reiterated the Command’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, and accountability. He urged the public to desist from spreading unverified information that could mislead the public and undermine trust in law enforcement.

Signed by DSP Udeme Edet, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benue State Police Command, Makurdi, the statement underscores the ongoing efforts to maintain law and order while ensuring a thorough investigation into the incident.