The Ogun State Police Command has denied allegations of torturing a suspected cultist, Seyi Samson, to death.
Samson, who was arrested over cult-related activities, reportedly died while in police custody.
The police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, stated that there is no truth to the claims of torture, emphasizing the commitment of the Ogun State Police Command to upholding fundamental human rights laws.
“Ogun state police command is well versed in the legal framework that safeguards the rights of individuals in custody, free from all forms of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment,” she said.
“For the records, the deceased was already charged for cult-related activities and he was taken to court on Thursday, 23rd November 2023 where he was to be arraigned before a special Court on a cultism case in Isabo Abeokuta, but the honourable court did not sit, and he was brought back to Eleweran in Abeokuta the same Thursday.”
“On Friday, 24th November, at about 0500 hours, Seyi went berserk, shouting, biting with teeth, and assaulted other suspects in the cell until he got exhausted.
“Other suspects in the cell alerted policemen on duty, and he was allegedly taken to the police hospital and later to Ijaye General Hospital Abeokuta, along with other suspects he gave bites in the cell for medical treatment against infection. Other suspects were treated and discharged, but Seyi, while on medical attention, later gave up the ghost. Every other allegation is hereby debunked.”
Ogun State has been experiencing clashes among various cult groups, contributing to heightened tensions and security challenges in the region.