In a tragic turn of events, Seyi Oduyiga, a father of three, has allegedly been tortured to death by the Ogun State Police Command over accusations of his involvement in cultism.
The distressing incident has sparked controversy, with the family claiming that Seyi’s refusal to pay a N200,000 bribe led to his demise. The police, however, vehemently deny these allegations.
Seyi Oduyiga’s ordeal began on the 18th of November when he was apprehended by the police during a raid while he was reportedly charging his phone.
The police accused him of cultism and took him, along with others, to the Awolowo police station in Sagamu.
Family sources revealed that fellow suspected cultists, upon arrest, insisted that Seyi was not involved in any cult activities.
Despite this, Seyi was transferred to the police headquarters in Eleweran three days later, and his death was subsequently announced to his family.
Mary Oduyiga, the deceased’s sister, is insistent that justice must prevail. She recounted the family’s efforts to secure Seyi’s release and the suspicious circumstances surrounding his treatment in custody.
According to Mary, Seyi, who maintained his innocence, was denied bail, and the family’s attempts to engage with the Inspector in Charge (IPO) were rebuffed.
The family’s concerns heightened as they were told conflicting stories about Seyi’s behavior in custody, leading to his eventual transfer to the hospital, where he reportedly passed away.
The family contends that Seyi was tortured for refusing to pay a N200,000 bribe that the police had allegedly demanded earlier.
In response to these serious allegations, the Ogun State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Omolola Odutola, issued a statement dismissing claims of torture leading to Seyi’s death.
The statement emphasized the police’s adherence to legal frameworks safeguarding the rights of individuals in custody, asserting that torture goes against their protocols and principles.
Despite the denial of torture, the police spokesperson remained silent on the bribery allegations, leaving a critical aspect of the controversy unaddressed.
The conflicting narratives between the family and the police underscore the urgent need for a thorough investigation into Seyi Oduyiga’s death, with a focus on transparency and accountability.
As this tragedy unfolds, the implications reach beyond the confines of this specific case, raising broader questions about police conduct, the protection of individuals’ rights, and the necessity for a comprehensive review of policing practices.
The pursuit of justice for Seyi Oduyiga becomes not only a familial imperative but a societal call for accountability and fairness in law enforcement.
