The death of 23-year-old Dada Yusuf has sparked tensions between his family and the Ondo State Police Command, following claims that he was tortured while in police custody.
The family insisted that Yusuf’s death resulted from injuries allegedly sustained during his detention, raising concerns over police brutality in the state.
In an interview, a relative of the deceased, Afolabi Bisoye, said Yusuf was arrested by operatives attached to the Squadron Squad in Akure on August 31.
According to him, Yusuf was allegedly detained and tortured, leading to his collapse while in custody.
Afolabi added that the family was only informed of the incident after Yusuf had been taken to a hospital, from where he was later referred to another medical facility.
Despite medical efforts, he reportedly succumbed to the injuries he sustained.
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, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olushola Alayande, rejected claims that Yusuf’s death was linked to torture.
He stated that the young man had developed an illness and was initially taken to a police hospital, before being referred to a larger facility for dialysis.
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 added that an investigation had been launched into the incident and that the officers involved were being subjected to internal review.
“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.