The family of late corps member Saleem Ahmed Nana and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Gombe Chapter, are calling for urgent justice following Saleem’s death, allegedly resulting from a brutal police assault.
Saleem, a 28-year-old graduate of Environmental Management Technology from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, was serving with the Ministry of Water Resources and Environment in Gombe State. On May 21, he was reportedly arrested at his family home in Kwadon, Yamaltu-Deba LGA, while still wearing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) uniform. According to eyewitnesses and family members, he was beaten by police officers and local vigilantes who accused him of being involved in an attack on a Divisional Police Officer.
Despite protests from neighbors affirming his innocence and NYSC status, Saleem was allegedly taken into custody, where he suffered severe injuries, including a broken leg. He was released days later in critical condition and died on May 31 while being rushed to the hospital.
“This was a young man serving his country. He was innocent, and they beat him in front of us,” said his father, Bako Ahmed Nana. “We buried him with our own hands. His leg was swollen, and he was vomiting blood. The police have said nothing to us—not even a condolence.”
The NBA has filed a formal petition naming senior officers allegedly involved in the assault and demanding a full investigation and prosecution. “This cannot be swept under the rug,” said Barrister Kabiru, who signed the petition. “We are seeking justice not just for Saleem, but to ensure no other Nigerian suffers such a fate.”