Human rights organisation Amnesty International has called on Nigerian authorities to investigate the alleged torture and killing of a 16-year-old boy, Bishir Malam Dauda, by police officers in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.
In a statement released on Sunday, the organisation alleged that the teenager died after being subjected to severe torture while in police custody at the Yankara outpost.
According to Amnesty International, its investigation indicated that Bishir Dauda was allegedly beaten with iron rods during interrogation following his arrest on May 7, 2026.
The organisation claimed the teenager was picked up by police officers from his tsangaya school after a friend reportedly mentioned his name in connection with the alleged theft of a bag of soya beans.
Amnesty International further alleged that the minor was detained without the presence of any adult relative or guardian and was tied up while officers attempted to force him to confess to the allegation.
The group stated that the teenager allegedly refused to confess and was subsequently subjected to further torture until he became unconscious.
According to the organisation, police officers later deposited his body at the Yankara Primary Healthcare Centre.
Amnesty International said the incident reflected what it described as a broader pattern of human rights abuses, including unlawful arrests, torture and forced confessions by some police personnel.
The organisation accused officers of operating with impunity and alleged that victims are often compelled either to confess to crimes or pay bribes to secure their release.
“The incident must not be swept under the carpet,” the organisation stated, calling for all officers allegedly involved in the incident, directly or indirectly, to be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Amnesty International also referenced its previous research on police brutality in Nigeria, alleging that cases of torture and abuse by security personnel have persisted over the years despite repeated public outcry and reform promises.
The Nigeria Police Force had not officially responded to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.
