Ondo Family Accuses Police of Torturing 23-Year-Old to Death, Command Orders Probe

The family of a 23-year-old man, Yusuf Dada, has accused the Ondo State Police Command of brutality, alleging that he died after being unlawfully detained and tortured by officers of the Scorpion Squad in Akure.

Relatives claim Yusuf was arrested on August 31, 2023, and subjected to severe abuse while in custody, leaving him unconscious. According to his cousin, Afolabi Bisoye, the family only learned of his condition after he was secretly moved to a clinic and later transferred to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo.

“He was shot in the chest while in police custody and placed on oxygen at FMC Owo. Despite the doctors’ efforts, he didn’t survive. Witnesses also confirmed the officers were intoxicated and even assaulted bystanders who tried to help. This is a clear case of police brutality, and we demand justice,” Afolabi alleged.

Yusuf died on September 7, 2023, just a week after his arrest. His death has renewed public outrage over police violence in Nigeria, a recurring issue that has fueled nationwide protests in the past.

Police Denies Torture Allegation

Reacting to the accusations, the Police Public Relations Officer for Ondo State, SP Olushola Alayande, dismissed the claims, insisting Yusuf’s death was not linked to torture.

According to Alayande, the young man developed a medical condition while in detention and was first treated at the police hospital before being transferred to FMC Owo for dialysis.

“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,” he said.

The PPRO confirmed that the Commissioner of Police has ordered an internal investigation into the incident, adding that any officer found culpable would face disciplinary action.