The Ondo State Police has debunked claims from the family of a 23-year-old man, Dada Yusuf, who was said to have died days after he was detained and allegedly tortured by the police.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Olushola Alayande, denied the claims that the victim died from torture.
Alayande, who made the denial during an interview with the Punch online, said that the police had taken him to the police hospital in the state after he developed some illness, and he was transferred to a bigger hospital for dialysis treatment because the police hospital could not handle the treatment.
“The Ondo State Police Command categorically rejected the claims by the family. Their son died at the Federal Medical Centre while undergoing dialysis, and dialysis has nothing to do with torture or anything else.
“The Ondo State Police Command practices the best ethics of the force and internationally best practices in law enforcement. We do not torture or condone it.
“The son was rushed to the hospital and was referred from the police hospital to FMC because the police hospital is not equipped to carry out dialysis and some other complex medical procedures, so the claim of torture has no place, “ the PPRO said.
The state police image-maker, however, stated that an investigation had commenced into the matter to unravel the incident, while adding that the officers involved have been subjected to investigation.
“However, for emphasis, the commissioner of Police has ordered an investigation into the matter. As I speak to you, the officers involved in the matter are undergoing an internal investigation to determine if they have committed any wrongdoing. Whatever the outcome of the investigation is, it will be made public,” Alayande said.
While the circumstances and what transpired between the police operatives and Yusuf remain sketchy, his death joins the growing list of individuals who have lost their lives following an encounter with police operatives.
In February, a newlywed man, Abdulmujid Oduga, was allegedly tortured to death while in custody at the Ikota Police Post in the Ajah area of Lagos State.
The deceased was said to have had a misunderstanding with his neighbour, which led to his arrest and detention at the police post. It was, however, alleged that during his detention, Oduga was subjected to severe torture, resulting in his death.
The police authorities are therefore urged to curb instances of brutality to prevent further apathy from the citizens.
Source: Punch Online
