The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has directed a thorough probe into the death of a suspect, Erasmus Emhenya, in police custody on April 6, 2023.
Erasmus was arrested for his alleged involvement in the murder of Blessing Ogbu, a 25-year-old, in front of the Number One Hotel in Nyanya, Abuja. He was later confirmed d£ad in police custody.
The bereaved mother of the deceased appeared on Brekete TV where she wailed as she demanded justice for her son. While speaking on the show, the distraught mother recounted how she discovered that her son had allegedly been b£aten to d£ath in the custody of the federal capital territory (FCT) police command.
Reacting to her claims, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement released, said autopsy results showed that the suspect d!ed of “asphyxiation”and was not b£aten to death as claimed by the mother.
However, the reaction has sparked criticism by many Nigerians on social media, who have decried the activities of the police force.
In a statement released on Tuesday, July 9, Adejobi said the IGP has directed a “thorough and transparent” investigation into the case. He quoted Egbetokun as urging the public to remain calm while assuring them of the police’s commitment to upholding and protecting human rights in the country.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, has been apprised of the controversy surrounding the death of a young man named “Erasmus Emhenya,” who allegedly died in police custody at the Nyanya Divisional Police Headquarters, FCT, on April 10, 2023, and has thereby ordered a fresh investigation to unravel the cause of death and ensure the prevalence of justice,” the statement reads.
“The Inspector-General of Police, who has expressed his grave concern over the incident, has further directed the DIG FCID to immediately commence a thorough and transparent investigation into the matter and forward the report as soon as possible.
“The IGP therefore calls for calm and support from members of the public on the matter while assuring that the police will continually uphold and protect people’s human rights in their day-to-day activities.
“He equally reassures the public of the police’s commitment to sustaining its internal control mechanism to deal decisively with and sanction any erring police personnel who engage in unprofessional conduct.
“The IGP hereby commiserates with the family of the deceased and prays for the repose of his soul.”
