The Ogun State Police Command has begun an autopsy on a suspected cultist who died in hospital after allegedly biting his co-cellmates while being held in police custody.
The police had launched an undercover operation in the Atoyo area of Sagamu in the state, arresting two alleged cultists, Oduyiga Seyi Samson “m” 39 years and Gbenga Adejoke’m’.
During interrogation, the couple admitted to being members of the Buccaneer and Eiye confraternities, with Seyi admitting to being initiated in 2015.
According to the command, the dead was not tortured to death.
“The deceased was charged for cult-related activities and was taken to court on Thursday, November 23, 2023, where he was to be arraigned on a cultism case in Isabo Abeokuta, but the court did not sit, and he was brought back to Eleweran in Abeokuta the same Thursday.
“Seyi was to be taken back to the court on the next available day that the court will sit, which is on Friday, November 24, 2023,” the public relations officer of the command, Omolola Odutola said.
The PPRO added,
“The command holds a strong commitment to upholding fundamental human rights, particularly when it comes to treatment of suspects. Torture is strictly against our protocols and principles. The state police command is well versed in the legal framework that safeguards the rights of individuals in custody.”
The police said at about 05:00 hours, Seyi went insane, shouting, biting and assaulting other suspects in the cell until he got exhausted.
“Policemen were alerted and he was taken to the police hospital and later to Ijaye General Hospital Abeokuta, along with other injured suspects. Other suspects were treated and discharged, but Seyi, while on medical attention, later gave up the ghost, every other allegation is hereby debunked as the accurate position is what has been stated above.
“As soon as the autopsy report about the deceased is out, the Police will give further details. However, the Commissioner of Police, CP Alamutu Abiodun Mustapha, commiserates with the deceased family,” the statement said.