The family of 23-year-old Dada Yusuf has accused the Ondo State Police Command of complicity in his death, claiming he was unlawfully detained, tortured, and fatally injured while in police custody.
The relatives alleged that Yusuf succumbed to complications from the injuries he sustained, insisting the incident highlights ongoing concerns about police brutality in the country.
A family member, Afolabi Bisoye, said in an interview on Sunday that Yusuf was picked up by operatives of the Squadron Squad in Akure on August 31.
According to him, Yusuf collapsed in custody after being allegedly tortured, and the family only became aware of the situation after the police had taken him to a hospital. He was later referred to another facility for further treatment.
Afolabi alleged that Yusuf could not recover despite medical efforts.
He 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 called for justice, stressing that witnesses had confirmed the alleged brutality.
‘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 state Police Public Relations Officer, Olushola Alayande, rejected the allegations of torture, saying Yusuf died while receiving dialysis at the Federal Medical Centre.
He 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.”
Alayande added that the case is under investigation and that the officers involved are already being questioned.
“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,” he stated.
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