The family of 23-year-old Yusuf Dada has accused the Ondo State Police Command of complicity in his death, alleging that he suffered fatal injuries after being unlawfully detained and tortured by operatives of the Scorpion Squad in Akure.
Relatives insist Yusuf died from complications caused by the treatment he allegedly received in custody, an incident that has once again stirred public concern about police brutality in Nigeria.
Family’s Account
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, a relative of the deceased, Afolabi Bisoye, said Yusuf was arrested on August 31, 2023, by officers attached to the squad. He alleged that Yusuf was severely brutalised while in detention, leaving him unconscious.
“The family was not immediately informed. We only got to know after the police had taken him to a clinic in Akure, and later to another hospital. Despite doctors’ efforts, he could not recover,” Afolabi explained.
He further alleged that Yusuf was shot in the chest while in custody and later placed on oxygen at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, where he eventually died on September 7, 2023.
According to him, witnesses also claimed the operatives were intoxicated during the arrest and attacked bystanders who tried to intervene.
“This is a clear case of police brutality, and we demand justice,” he said.
Police Denial
Reacting to the allegations, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Olushola Alayande, denied that Yusuf’s death was caused by torture.
Alayande said the young man developed a medical condition while in custody and was first taken to the police hospital before being transferred to the Federal Medical Centre for dialysis treatment.
“The command categorically rejects the claim that the victim died from torture. He was referred for dialysis, and that has nothing to do with any alleged assault. The Ondo State Police Command upholds the best practices of law enforcement and does not condone torture,” Alayande stated.
Ongoing Investigation
The PPRO confirmed that the Commissioner of Police has ordered an internal investigation into the matter, with a promise that the findings will be made public.
“At present, the officers mentioned are being investigated, and if any misconduct is established, appropriate action will follow,” he added.
