The family of a 23-year-old man, Dada Yusuf, is at loggerheads with the Ondo State Police Command over the circumstances surrounding his death, days after he was detained and allegedly tortured by the police.

This was as the family alleged that Yusuf died from complications he sustained from injuries inflicted on him by the police while he was illegally detained.

This is coming on the heels of growing concerns about cases of police brutality.

Speaking with our correspondent in an exclusive interview on Sunday, a relative of the victim, Afolabi Bisoye, disclosed that the deceased was arrested by some police operatives attached to the Squadron Squad in Akure on August 31.

According to him, following the arrest, the police allegedly detained and tortured him, after which he collapsed in custody.

He added that the family was only informed about the incident after the police had taken him to a hospital, where Dada was later referred to another hospital.

Afolabi added that despite the efforts of medical personnel to save the victim’s life, he allegedly succumbed to injuries he sustained from the police torture.

Afolabi said, “Yusuf Israel Dada was harassed and unlawfully arrested by the Scorpion Squad, a team of police officers led by Inspector Olayiya Kasim, stationed at the Federal University of Technology, while on his way to Akure. Yusuf was brutally beaten in custody to the point of falling into a coma.

“Instead of ensuring his safety, the officers attempted to cover up the incident. He was first taken to the Police Clinic in Akure, where it was later revealed to his family that he had sustained a gunshot wound to his chest, inflicted while in police custody.

“Due to the severity of his condition, he was referred to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, where he spent several days on oxygen. Tragically, Yusuf passed away on September 7, 2023.”

He urged the relevant authority to ensure that justice is served on the matter.

“Witnesses reported that the Scorpion Squad was intoxicated during the incident and violently harassed not only Yusuf but also bystanders who attempted to intervene.

“This case demands accountability and justice for Yusuf Israel Dada, whose life was unjustly cut short by police brutality,” Afolabi concluded.

When contacted on Sunday, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olushola Alayande, disregarded the claims that the victim died from torture.

He noted 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 PPRO said, “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.”

He, 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 told PUNCH Metro.

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. (The PUNCH)