TheCable

Joseph Egbunike, deputy inspector-general of police in charge of the force criminal investigations department, is dead.

According to the police, Egbunike died on Tuesday at the National Hospital, Abuja after a brief illness.

Muyiwa Adejobi, the force spokesperson, in a statement on Wednesday, announced the death of Egbunike.

Ajejobi said Usman Baba, inspector-general of police, commiserated with the deceased’s family and friends.

“The inspector-general of police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc(+),NPM, fdc on behalf of his Management team, and officers of the Nigeria Police Force, regrets to announce the demise of DIG Joseph Obiajulu Egbunike, PhD, ACTI, mnin, FCNA, which occurred at about 9pm of March 8, 2022 at the National Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness,” the statement reads.

“DIG Egbunike was until his death the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the force criminal investigation department and the supervisory DIG in charge of the south-east.

“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.”

Prior to his death, Egbunike was the chairman of the panel instituted by the IGP to investigate the FBI allegations against Abba Kyari, suspended deputy commissioner of police (DCP).

In August 2021, Egbunike’s panel submitted its report on the investigation against Kyari to the IGP.

In February 2022, the Police Service Commission (PSC) asked the Nigeria Police Force to conduct further probe on Kyari and set up another panel.