The death of a 23-year-old man, Yusuf Israel Dada, has sparked controversy in Ondo State as his family accused police operatives of torture, while the command strongly denies the allegation.
According to relatives, Dada was arrested by officers of the Scorpion Squad, attached to the Federal University of Technology, Akure, on August 31.
A family member, Afolabi Bisoye, alleged that he was unlawfully detained, brutally assaulted, and later slipped into a coma while in custody.
“He was harassed, beaten, and even sustained a gunshot wound in custody. Instead of owning up, the officers tried to cover up what happened,” Afolabi told PUNCH.
He added that Dada was first taken to the Police Clinic in Akure before being transferred to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, where he was placed on oxygen for several days but eventually died on September 7.
Eyewitnesses reportedly claimed that the police squad was intoxicated during the operation and also harassed bystanders who tried to intervene.
The grieving family insists that Yusuf’s death was a direct result of torture, calling for justice and accountability.
However, the Ondo State Police Command rejected the allegation.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Olushola Alayande, stated that Dada’s death had “nothing to do with torture,” insisting he died while undergoing dialysis treatment.
“The command does not torture suspects. The young man was rushed to the hospital, but when the police hospital could not handle his case, he was referred to FMC Owo. Unfortunately, he died there,” Alayande explained.
The PPRO confirmed that the Commissioner of Police had ordered an internal investigation into the role of officers involved, promising that the outcome would be made public.
Dada’s death adds to a disturbing list of Nigerians who have died in police custody under controversial circumstances. In February, Abdulmujid Oduga, a newlywed, was allegedly tortured to death at Ikota Police Post, Ajah, Lagos, during a detention that followed a dispute with a neighbour.
Rights advocates say the rising cases of alleged police brutality highlight the urgent need for sweeping reforms to restore public confidence in law enforcement.
