OUTRAGE AS BAYELSA MAN DIES DAYS AFTER POLICE DETENTION; INVESTIGATION ORDERED
Read Time:2 Minute, 8 Second
By Aishat Momoh. O.
Controversy and public outrage have erupted over the death of 24-year-old Patrick Peresousdei, who allegedly died six days after his release from a detention facility operated by the Bayelsa State Police Command.
While police officials have denied torturing Patrick, claiming he was brought to their facility with pre-existing injuries, his younger brother, Destiny Peresousdei, alleges that Patrick was assaulted while in custody. Destiny also accused personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and one Bodmas Kemepadei of physically abusing both brothers before handing them over to the police.
In a 20-minute video obtained during a fact-finding visit by the State Commissioner for Youth Development, Alfred Kemepado Nimizigha, Destiny recounted that on January 15, 2026, their home was approached by Bodmas and NSCDC officers. “At Bodmas’ house, some boys came out, lifted us, threw us on the floor, tied our hands and legs, and beat us for close to three hours. They used planks and machetes,” Destiny said.
According to him, both brothers were detained without formal statements and held for several days. Patrick, who appeared healthy initially, returned to Destiny in critical condition on January 20 and was later rushed to hospitals across Bayelsa and Port Harcourt. Despite the family’s efforts, Patrick died on January 28 after developing breathing difficulties.
“The police never took my brother to a clinic. Everything we did was on our own,” Destiny said, disputing police claims that Patrick had pre-existing injuries.
Civil society groups have since called for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Patrick’s arrest, detention, and death.
In response, the Bayelsa State Police Command announced that the Commissioner of Police, CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor, has ordered a full-scale investigation. DSP Musa Mohammed, Police Public Relations Officer, said preliminary findings indicate that Patrick and his brother were arrested on January 15, 2026, by Bodmas Kemepadei and NSCDC personnel over an alleged threat to life posted on Facebook.
The police confirmed seeing bruises on the brothers upon arrival but stated that Patrick was taken to the police clinic for medical attention after showing incoherence in his statement. He was subsequently released to a family member.
“The Command should not be dragged into this allegation of murder on social media platforms. However, a manhunt has been launched on Bodmas and his cohorts,” the statement added.
The Bayelsa Police urged the public to remain calm, avoid speculation, and provide credible information to aid the ongoing investigation, reiterating its commitment to professionalism, transparency, and the rule of law.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0