The demise of retired Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, David Shikfu Parradang, has sparked an investigation by the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, dispelling initial rumors of kidnapping and murder. The sequence of events leading to the discovery of his body in an Abuja hotel room paints a different picture, one shrouded in mystery yet to be fully unravelled by ongoing inquiries.
Parradang checked into Joy House Hotel in Area 3 Junction on March 3, 2025, around noon, driving his black Mercedes Benz. He paid N22,000 for a single night’s stay, seemingly an ordinary check-in procedure. Shortly after settling in, he received a female visitor, whom he instructed the hotel attendant to escort to his room. The woman’s visit was relatively brief, departing the hotel premises around 4 pm the same day. From then until the early hours of the following morning, Parradang remained in his room, his activities during this period a key focus of the investigation.
The alarm was raised around 4 am on March 4, 2025, when a friend, identified as a military officer, became concerned about Parradang’s well-being and traced him to the hotel. Accompanied by the hotel receptionist, the officer gained access to Parradang’s room, where they made the grim discovery. The retired CG was found deceased, seated in a chair. This discovery immediately triggered a response from the Durumi Police Station.
Upon arrival at the hotel, police officers secured the scene, meticulously documenting the room’s condition with photographs and collecting potential evidence. Paramount in their procedure was preserving the integrity of the crime scene to facilitate a comprehensive investigation. Parradang’s body was transferred to the National Hospital for the necessary post-mortem examination, a crucial step in determining the cause and manner of death. Meanwhile, hotel staff members have been cooperating with the police, providing statements and any information that may be relevant to the investigation.
The FCT Police Command, through its spokesperson Josephine Adeh, has been proactive in addressing the initial misinformation surrounding Parradang’s death. Rumors of kidnapping and murder, which had begun to circulate, were swiftly refuted by the police, who urged the public and media to refrain from disseminating unverified information. Such speculation, they emphasized, could incite unnecessary fear and panic, potentially hindering the investigative process. The police have reiterated their commitment to conducting a thorough and impartial investigation, assuring the public that they will leave no stone unturned in uncovering the circumstances surrounding Parradang’s death. Their ultimate goal is to ensure justice is served, providing closure to his family and the public.
Prior to the police clarification, news outlets, including PUNCH Online, had reported Parradang’s death as a result of a gun attack by unknown assailants in Abuja. This initial report, based on unconfirmed sources, fueled the speculation surrounding a potential kidnapping and murder. Within the Immigration Service, where Parradang dedicated over 30 years of his career, the news of his death was met with shock and sadness. A source from within the service confirmed his passing to PUNCH Online, indicating that plans were underway to visit his family and offer condolences. Parradang’s long and distinguished career within the NIS saw him hold various positions across the country, culminating in his appointment as Comptroller-General. His sudden and unexpected death has left a void within the service and the wider community.
The current focus remains on the ongoing police investigation. The details surrounding the female visitor, Parradang’s activities within the hotel room, and the ultimate cause of his death remain central to uncovering the truth. As the investigation progresses, further updates from the FCT Police Command are anticipated, shedding light on the circumstances of this tragic event and bringing closure to the questions surrounding the final hours of David Parradang’s life. The public awaits the results of the investigation with bated breath, hoping for a clear and comprehensive understanding of the events leading to the untimely demise of the former Comptroller General.
