The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has dismissed initial reports that a former Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, David Shikfu Parradang, was killed by kidnappers.
According to the police command, contrary to the earlier information, Parradang was found dead in a hotel room in Abuja on Tuesday morning.
The FCT command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday.
Parradang, who dedicated over 30 years to public service, had an extensive career with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).
He served across various states, including Kano, Lagos, Kwara, Enugu, and the Federal Capital Territory.
Initial reports had suggested that he was kidnapped and killed by his abductors, but new details provided by the police indicated otherwise.
But in a statement released on Tuesday, the FCT Police Command clarified that Parradang was not abducted but found dead in a hotel room where he had checked in on Monday afternoon.
According to the statement, he arrived at Joy House Hotel, Area 3 Junction, in a black Mercedes Benz and paid the sum of N22,000 for a one-night stay.
He was later visited by a female guest, who left the premises at approximately 4:00 PM the same day.
Parradang was said to have remained in his room until the early hours of Tuesday when a concerned friend, a military officer, traced him to the hotel after being unable to reach him.
Upon arrival, the officer, accompanied by hotel staff, entered the room and discovered Parradang seated lifeless in a chair.
The Durumi Police Division was immediately notified, and officers responded by securing the crime scene, collecting evidence, and transferring the body to the National Hospital for further examination.
The police confirmed that an investigation is ongoing to locate and apprehend the female guest who visited the deceased.
“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 Twenty two thousand naira (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 04:00PM of the same day.
“Mr. Parradang did not exit his room after the lady left. Around 04:00 AM of 04 March 2025, a friend who is a military officer, concerned for his wellbeing, 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,” the statement read.
Adeh added, “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,” the statement added.
