UPDATED: DIG Investigating Abba Kyari Slumps, Dies

A Deputy Inspector-General of Police and head of the Nigeria Police Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Joseph Egbunike is dead.

The police confirmed that Egbunike died around 9pm on Tuesday at the National Hospital, Abuja after a brief illness.

Egbunike’s Federal Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCIID) is widely seen as the most powerful and preoccupied police department.

Until he was appointed DIG in late 2020, Egbunike worked for several years as the head of the Police Finance Department.

Until his death, Egbunike headed the Special Investigation Panel constituted by the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, to investigate the suspended head Deputy Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari over alleged money laundering.

According to a statement on Wednesday by the Acting Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi: “DIG Egbunike was a dedicated and seasoned police officer who served the nation in various capacities including as the Commissioner of Police in charge of Police Accounts and Budget. An officer with finesse and commitment to intellectual development and was instrumental to the achievements of the giant strides within the Police architecture.

“The Inspector-General of Police hereby condoles with the immediate family, relatives, and friends of the deceased DIG who passed away in active service of his fatherland and prays for the repose of his soul”.