The death of Oduyiga Seyi, a 39-year-old barber and alleged cultist, while in police custody has sparked controversy and allegations of foul play.
Seyi was arrested on November 18 in connection with ongoing cult clashes in Sagamu, a town that has recently witnessed a surge in violence resulting in more than 15 deaths.
The police maintain that Seyi, along with another alleged cultist, Gbenga Adejoke, confessed to being members of the outlawed Buccaneer and Eiye confraternity secret cults.
However, Seyi’s family insists that he was wrongly accused and that his death was a result of police brutality.
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According to Mary, Seyi’s younger sister, he was apprehended while charging his phone near his home.
The police reportedly justified his detention by pointing to tattoos on his body, including a depiction of Psalm 23 and religious inscriptions.
Despite denying the allegations, Seyi was not released, and all efforts by the family to secure his bail were allegedly denied by the police.
Mary claims that when the family finally gained access to Seyi, they found him in a disturbing condition.
She alleges that he had bruises on his body, blood in his eyes, and signs of possible torture.
The family is now seeking justice and plans to file a petition with the assistance of lawyers.
The Ogun State Police Command, however, vehemently denies the accusations of torture.
In a statement, the police spokesperson, SP Omolola Odutola, stated that Seyi and Gbenga were arrested in connection with the recent cult clashes in Sagamu.
The police assert that Seyi died at the Ogun State Hospital after going berserk, attacking and biting other suspects in the cell.
The police maintain their commitment to upholding fundamental human rights laws and refute claims of torture, emphasizing that torture is strictly against their protocols and principles.
The statement concludes by stating that as soon as the autopsy report is available, further details will be provided.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Alamutu Mustapha, expressed condolences to Seyi’s family.
The incident has raised concerns about police conduct and the treatment of suspects in custody, prompting calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Seyi’s death.
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