The FCT Police Command has given a graphic picture of how a former Immigration Comptroller General, David Parradang, died in a hotel room.
According to the command spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, contrary to reports, the retired officer was not killed by kidnappers.
“In light of the recent reports alleging that retired Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, David Shikfu Parradang, was kidnapped and subsequently killed, we wish to clarify the facts surrounding this incident to ensure accurate information is disseminated to the public.
“On March 3, 2025, at approximately 12:00 PM, Mr. Parradang arrived at Joy House Hotel, Area 3 Junction, driving a black Mercedes Benz. He checked into the hotel, paying a sum of N22, 000 for one night’s stay. Shortly thereafter, he directed the hotel room attendant to escort a female guest who had come to visit to his room. This lady left the hotel premises around 04:00 PM on the same day.
“Mr. Parradang did not exit his room after the lady left. Around 04:00 AM on March 4, 2025, a friend who is a military officer, concerned for his well-being, traced him to the hotel. Upon arrival, the hotel receptionist and the officer proceeded to his room, where Mr. Parradang was found deceased, seated in a chair.
“The Durumi Police Station was notified, and officers promptly arrived at the scene, secured the area, took photographs, and collected all relevant evidence to preserve the integrity of the crime scene. The body has been transferred to the National Hospital for necessary procedures, and hotel staff are currently cooperating with police investigations. Effort is in top gear to effect the arrest of the lady.
“We urge the public and media outlets to refrain from spreading unverified information, including claims of kidnapping, that may incite fear or panic. The FCT Police Command is committed to conducting a thorough investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding Mr. Parradang’s death.
“We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work to ensure justice is served. For any further inquiries, please contact the FCT Police Public Relations Office,” Adeh explained.
Prior to the police clarification, there were unconfirmed reports on Tuesday that Parradang had been killed by kidnappers in Abuja.
Citing sources, counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, said Parradang was abducted in the Area 1 axis of Abuja in the early hours of Tuesday.
Makama said after being trailed from a bank where he had withdrawn money, the assailants took the cash from him before eventually killing him.
“The tragic incident has raised fresh concerns over security in the Federal Capital Territory, particularly regarding the increasing cases of kidnappings and targeted attacks,” Makama said in a post.
Parradang, who served in the NIS for over 30 years, held various positions across the country, including Comptroller General.
He served in Kano, Lagos, Kwara, Enugu, and the Federal Capital Territory. He also attended several professional courses both within Nigeria and internationally.
In recognition of his service, he was awarded the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic and was a distinguished graduate of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies.
Consequently, security agencies reportedly launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his abduction and killing, with efforts ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.
Although the Nigerian Immigration Service did not confirm the tragic development, an official at Immigration headquarters in Abuja said it is true.
“The report is true but we need to wait for Immigration authorities to make official publication,” he said.
It was also gathered that the Nigeria Immigration headquarters has suspended a parade billed for today (Wednesday) over the controversial death.
