The family of a missing Benue State University (BSU), now Fr Moses Adasu University graduate has demanded that the Nigeria Police Force either produce him alive or formally charge him in court, following weeks of uncertainty over his whereabouts after he was allegedly taken into police custody in Benue State.
The missing graduate, Achov Paul, 27, a Philosophy graduate of Benue State University, was reportedly arrested on August 2, 2025, in Makurdi. His sister, Achov Ruth, said the family has since lost all contact with him and has received no official explanation from the police regarding his detention or current location.
Speaking with journalists, Ruth said her brother was allegedly linked to a shooting incident at the Daudu Police Station — an allegation the family strongly denies. According to her, Paul was not present in Makurdi at the time of the incident and was instead working on his farm.“My brother was not involved in any shooting. He was not even around when it happened,” she said. “Yet, he was taken away by the police, and since then, we have not seen or heard from him.
”She explained that after his arrest, relatives initially attempted to visit him and deliver food, but were later met with conflicting responses from officers at the station. Some officers reportedly denied any knowledge of his arrest, while others gave vague and inconsistent explanations.
Ruth, who said she and her brother lost both parents and that Paul is her only surviving immediate family, described the situation as emotionally devastating. She added that formal complaints have been submitted through a lawyer and a human rights activist, Ukan Kurugh, but no response has been received from the authorities.
“Our demand is simple,” she said. “If my brother has committed an offence, let the police charge him to court and allow due process to take place. But if he has not, they should produce him alive and tell us where he is.
”The case has begun to attract attention from human rights advocates, who argue that the failure of law enforcement agencies to account for persons last seen in custody raises serious constitutional and human rights concerns. Under Nigerian law, suspects are entitled to dignity, transparency in detention, and access to legal representation.
As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Command has not issued an official statement addressing the allegations surrounding the disappearance.
The family has appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, relevant oversight agencies, and civil society organisations to intervene, insisting that accountability and justice must prevail.
“This is not just about my brother,” Ruth said. “It is about the safety of every Nigerian who could be taken into custody and forgotten.”
