Alleged torture: IGP orders fresh investigation into death of Erasmus in custody
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered a fresh investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a suspect, Erasmus Emhenya at the Nyanya Divisional Headquarters, Federal Capital Territory, FCT Abuja.
Erasmus, who was arrested by operatives of the FCT command over an incident in Nyanya, died on April 10, 2023, while in custody.
Mother of the deceased, a food seller in Anuja had during an interview on Human Rights Radio and Television program, Brekete Family, accused the police of torturing her son to death while he was in custody.
She alleged that while Erasmus was in custody, all her efforts to see him proved abortive, saying police officers at the station denied her access to her son.
According to her, another suspect in custody broke the news of Erasmus death to her, alleging that the son died after being tortured by the police.
A video clip of the interview has been circulating on social media, capturing the attention of stakeholders, who called for a thorough investigation into the matter.
The FCT police command had, however, refuted the allegation, insisting that an autopsy conducted on Erasmus’ body did not indicate torture.
According to a statement by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, discrete investigations were conducted on the matter when it happened in 2023.
But IGP in a statement by the Force Spokesperson, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi on Tuesday night, expressed concern about the incident, directing the DIG FCID to immediately commence a thorough and transparent investigation into the matter and forward the report as soon as possible.
Adejobi said, “The IG 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.
“He has thereby ordered a fresh investigation to unravel the cause of death and ensure the prevalence of justice.
“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.“
