A 63-year-old retired Deputy Superintendent of Police, Charles Atideka, has died under controversial circumstances after allegedly killing three individuals in a land dispute.
The Lagos State Police Command confirmed the incident, which occurred in Badagry, stating that the former officer was the prime suspect in the killing of two family members and a third individual from a neighbouring community.
According to reports, the attack happened in the early hours of Tuesday at the Atideka compound, where Charles and an unidentified accomplice allegedly shot and killed Mr. Richard Atideka, Mrs. Latevi Atideka, and Mr. Muji Onilude.
Following the killings, Charles reportedly ingested poison and lost consciousness.
He was rushed to a hospital, where he was later confirmed dead, according to Lagos Police spokesperson SP Benjamin Hundeyin.
“The suspect in the incident is dead. He killed three people and allegedly took poison afterwards.
“He was taken to the hospital, but doctors confirmed his death,” Hundeyin stated.
However, conflicting reports have emerged. Henry Atideka, the son of the deceased, disputed the suicide claim, asserting that his father collapsed on his way to the police station for questioning.
He maintained that stress and high blood pressure from the accusations led to his death.
The General Hospital in Badagry, where Charles was treated, has not confirmed the exact cause of his death.
The medical director, Dr. Olatunde Bakare, stated that no tests had been conducted to determine whether he died from poisoning or natural causes.
