Joseph Egbunike has died. The deputy police inspector-general died shortly late Tuesday night at the National Hospital, Abuja, according to two sources familiar with the development.

Police officers have gathered at his official residence in Maitama in preparation for his burial, an official said.

“It is very tragic that he died after battling a protracted ailment that left his neck swollen for many years,” a police source said. “He was previously flown to London for treatment, but he did not recover well before returning to work.”

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

A spokesman for the police did not immediately return a request for comments about the development.

Until being appointed DIG in late 2020, Mr Egbunike had worked for several years as the head of the police finance department.

He recently led the police team that investigated disgraced officer Abba Kyari, drawing criticism after recommending a demotion, which was widely considered as too mild and uncertain for the charges brought against the officer.

Details soon…