Tension has risen in Ondo State following the death of a 23-year-old man, Yusuf Dada, whose family alleges he was tortured while in police custody.
Dada was reportedly arrested on August 31 by operatives of the Scorpion Squad, a police team stationed at the Federal University of Technology, Akure.Family Accuses Ondo Police of Torture After Death of 23-Year-Old Detainee
Tension has risen in Ondo State following the death of a 23-year-old man, Yusuf Dada, whose family alleges he was tortured while in police custody.
Dada was reportedly arrested on August 31 by operatives of the Scorpion Squad, a police team stationed at the Federal University of Technology, Akure.
Family members claimed he was beaten severely in detention, leaving him unconscious, before he was rushed to a hospital.
A relative, Afolabi Bisoye, told reporters that Yusuf was first taken to the Police Clinic in Akure before being referred to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo. Despite days on oxygen support, he died on September 7.
According to Afolabi, Yusuf suffered a gunshot wound to the chest while in police custody, a development the family insists proves he was tortured.
He further alleged that the officers involved were intoxicated and harassed bystanders who attempted to intervene during the arrest.
“This case demands accountability and justice for Yusuf Israel Dada, whose life was unjustly cut short by police brutality,” Afolabi said.
However, the police have denied the allegations. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Olushola Alayande, maintained that Yusuf died while undergoing dialysis treatment at FMC Owo, insisting the command does not engage in torture.
“The Ondo State Police Command categorically rejects the claims by the family. Their son died while receiving dialysis, which has nothing to do with torture.
We operate by international best practices and do not condone torture,” Alayande stated.
He confirmed that the Commissioner of Police has ordered an internal investigation, with officers involved currently under review.
While the investigation continues, Yusuf’s death has added to concerns over recurring allegations of police brutality in the country. Family members claimed he was beaten severely in detention, leaving him unconscious, before he was rushed to a hospital.
A relative, Afolabi Bisoye, told reporters that Yusuf was first taken to the Police Clinic in Akure before being referred to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo. Despite days on oxygen support, he died on September 7.
According to Afolabi, Yusuf suffered a gunshot wound to the chest while in police custody, a development the family insists proves he was tortured.
He further alleged that the officers involved were intoxicated and harassed bystanders who attempted to intervene during the arrest.
“This case demands accountability and justice for Yusuf Israel Dada, whose life was unjustly cut short by police brutality,” Afolabi said.
However, the police have denied the allegations. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Olushola Alayande, maintained that Yusuf died while undergoing dialysis treatment at FMC Owo, insisting the command does not engage in torture.
“The Ondo State Police Command categorically rejects the claims by the family.
Their son died while receiving dialysis, which has nothing to do with torture.
We operate by international best practices and do not condone torture,” Alayande stated.
He confirmed that the Commissioner of Police has ordered an internal investigation, with officers involved currently under review.
While the investigation continues, Yusuf’s death has added to concerns over recurring allegations of police brutality in the country.