Fears C-River Police Boss, Jimoh Died Of COVID-19 Complications

• Gov Ayade condoles family, Police

BY UBON EKANEM, CALABAR – Speculations are rife that the Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, Abdulkadir Jimoh’s death on Friday morning in Calabar may have been due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) related complications.

The Police Chief had recently been battling with serious health challenges and the Chief Medical Director (CMD), University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Professor Ikpeme A. Ikpeme confirmed he was brought to the hospital facility virtually dead.

Prof Ikpeme, who was not forthcoming on the likely cause of death, however counselled all those that had close contact with him during the last few weeks to self-isolate or visit the UCTH for COVID-19 tests.

But confirmed police reports said the deceased last public appearance was during the December 5, 2020 Northern senatorial district by-election in the state.

According to the reports, upon his return to Calabar after the election duties in Ogoja, CP Jimoh’s health deteriorated and he was confined at home for treatment.

However, Police sources also hinted that before now, the late CP had suddenly taken ill when the State officially launched its joint security neighbourhood watch outfit, codenamed; ‘Operation Akpakwu’ on Thursday, December 3, 2020.

The sources said late Jimoh, who almost collapsed after delivering his speech at the event, was rushed out of the Government House venue to an unnamed medical facility for treatment where only close family members and confidants were allowed access to him.

In his reaction to the unfortunate incident, Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State, expressed shock and sadness over CP Abudukadir Jimoh’s death.

He described his passing as a great loss to the state, the police force, and the country in general, saying Jimoh was “a brave and courageous officer who was a central figure in the fight against kidnapping and other crimes in the state.”

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Christian Ita, the governor said; “Late Jimoh’s skills, dexterity, intellect and expertise will be sorely missed as we unite to confront the security challenges in the country.”

“I have indeed lost a true friend and a brother”, Governor Ayade lamented