The Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, Lanre Abdulkadir Jimoh, died on Friday, December 18,2020.
He reportedly died at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital of COVID-19-related ailment.
Sources at the state Police Command revealed that Mr Jimoh died at an isolation centre in Calabar, the state’s capital.
Meanwhile, the Chief Medical Director of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Prof. Ikpeme Ikpeme confirmed the death of Jimoh.
He said the CP was brought into the hospital on Friday dead.
“He was dead on arrival. COVID-19 protocols will be followed before his body will be evacuated,” Ikpeme said.
The CMD also advised all those who were with him to visit the hospital for COVID-19 test and subsequently be on self isolation.
Jimoh, who had spent barely five months in office before his demise, took over from Nkereuwem Akpan in July this year.
However, the Cross River State Governor, Prof Ben Ayade has expressed shock and sadness over the death of Jimoh, describing his passing as a great loss to the state, country, and the police force.
Ayade in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Christian Ita, described Jimoh as “a brave and courageous officer who was a central figure in the fight against kidnapping and other crimes in the state.”