A former Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mr. David Shikfu Paradang (rtd), died in a hotel he checked in on Monday,
The Police disclosed this in a statement and debunked media reports that he was killed by kidnappers.
Also, a Close Circuit Television (CCTV) footage obtained from Joy House Hotel indicated that initial claims that he was abducted by unknown gunmen in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were false, according to FCT Police Command.
A message that circulated earlier indicated that the late Parandang was kidnapped, last night, by unknown gunmen who allegedly took him at gunpoint to an unknown destination.
The message, which appeared to have been shared in a WhatsApp group, appealed to members to pray for him.
However details revealed that the deceased had gone to the hotel located at Area 3 in Durumi in his black Mercedes Benz vehicle and proceeded to book a room which cost N22,000.
Thereafter, Mr. Parandang, from the CCTV obtained by police investigators, was waiting for a female companion who he asked one of the hotel staff to take to his room upon her arrival.
The police stated that after two hours in the room with Mr. Parradang, the female companion left, but the retired NIS boss did not come out of the room.
A statement by the FCT Police Command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, on Tuesday, said
the clarification became necessary following the wrong information flying about.
It read in part: “In light of the recent reports alleging that the 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 thousand naira for one night’s stay. Shortly thereafter, he directed the room attendant to escort a female guest to his room. This lady left the hotel premises around 1600hrs the same day.
“Mr. Parradang did not exit his room after the lady left. Around 04:00 AM of today, concerned for his wellbeing, a friend, who is a military officer, 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 were promptly notified. Officers 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 hospital for necessary procedures, and hotel staff are currently cooperating with the police investigation.
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”.