The family of a National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operative has refuted media reports alleging that they criticized the agency following the tragic death of their loved one, Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics 1, Aliyu Imran.
PRNigeria reports that Imran, who got married in December 2024, was brutally lynched by a mob in the Gadan-Gayan area of Igabi Local Government, Kaduna State, while on duty. The incident occurred after Imran and his colleagues pursued a suspected drug dealer. In an attempt to evade arrest, the suspect reversed his vehicle, causing an accident that claimed the lives of at least three people on the spot.
When Imran attempted to calm the ensuing chaos, an enraged mob attacked him, stabbing him multiple times. A police officer managed to transport him to a nearby hospital, but the mob followed, dragged him out, and set him on fire. He succumbed to his injuries shortly after.
Some media outlets reported that the deceased officer’s family accused the NDLEA of failing to issue a statement or offer condolences. However, the family has strongly denied these claims.
In a statement obtained by PRNigeria, the Head of the Family, Alhaji Hassan Idris Funtua, clarified their position:
“We, the family of Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics Aliyu Imran, wish to address the recent media reports regarding the tragic death of our beloved son. These reports falsely claim that we accused the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of neglect. We categorically deny this allegation.