Mercy Emmanuel, a 36-year-old mother of three from Chakala Bazza in Michika, Adamawa State, has died in prison custody, an incident which shook her community and sparked calls for justice.
It was learnt that popularly known as Asabe, Mercy left her home on February 12, 2025, in search of financial support to start a small business that would allow her to care for her sick, elderly mother and her children. She never returned.
According to her grieving mother, Mrs. Mary George, Mercy was lured by a tea seller named Saidu Umar, who promised to help her financially. Instead, her journey ended in controversy and death. 
After leaving her hometown, Mercy was introduced by Saidu to his younger brother, Sadiq Umar, a 32-year-old who lived near General Hospital Michika. Due to curfew restrictions, Mercy was offered accommodation for the night. However, what followed was a harrowing ordeal.
Sadiq allegedly demanded sex in exchange for help – she however did not oblige him. The following morning, he accused Mercy of stealing his phone and reported her to the police.
In her statement, Mercy denied the accusation, claiming she knew nothing about the said missing phone.
She was arraigned in court the same day and remanded in prison custody.
On February 17, 2025, just five days after her arrest, Mercy died. Prison authorities claim she suffered an epileptic seizure and was receiving treatment at Mubi General Hospital when she passed away — while being transported by the police for a bail hearing.
Her family disputes the official accounts. Her mother alleges neglect and possible mistreatment, stating that Mercy had returned home only to help her after she sustained a serious injury. “She never came back,” Mary George said tearfully. “They robbed me of her and her support.”
The Nigerian Correctional Service and the Police have denied responsibility for Mercy’s death, each pointing accusing fingers to each other.
The Correctional Service insists she was stable before being transferred, while the police claim she was already ill when she was returned to the NCS custody.
Meanwhile, the man who initiated the series of events that led to Mercy’s detention — Sadiq Umar — has reportedly been granted bail, with the police labelling the charges against him as bailable.
Mercy’s family, now bereft of a daughter, mother, and provider, is demanding for answers.
SAHARA REPORTERS
