In a distressing incident, Seyi Oduyiga, a father of three, allegedly met his demise under mysterious circumstances while in the custody of the Ogun State Police Command. The tragedy unfolded after his arrest on November 18 during a police raid at approximately 5:00 pm, as he was reportedly charging his phone, according to his family members.
Following the arrest, Oduyiga and others were taken to Awolowo police station in Sagamu, where the police accused him of involvement in cultism. However, sources in the area, opting to remain anonymous due to the complexity of the matter, shared with a reporter that other suspected cultists, also apprehended, insisted that Oduyiga was not affiliated with any cult.
The situation took a grim turn when Oduyiga was transferred to the police headquarters in Eleweran three days after his initial arrest. His family received the devastating news of his death after persistent attempts to see him were thwarted by officers.
Mary Oduyiga, the deceased’s sister, vehemently called for justice, recounting the family’s efforts to secure Seyi’s release. She highlighted instances where their pleas were ignored, and Inspector Raji, the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), allegedly threatened to make Seyi suffer.
Mary detailed her experience at Eleweran, stating that the IPO charged her N2,000 to deliver food to her brother in custody. Frustration mounted as she eventually learned of Seyi’s deteriorating condition from the Deputy Commissioner, who revealed that he had displayed erratic behavior in the cell, biting inmates and talking to himself, eventually passing away at the hospital.
The family is now raising suspicions, asserting that Seyi may have been tortured to death due to his refusal to pay a previously requested N200,000 bribe. In response, the police command’s spokesperson, SP Omolola Odutola, issued a statement refuting claims of torture, emphasizing the adherence to legal frameworks protecting individuals in custody. The statement also mentioned that Seyi had confessed to being a member of outlawed secret cults during interrogation.
