Following the controversy surrounding the death of Erasmus Emhenya at the Nyanya Divisional Police Station due to alleged torture, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has ordered a fresh investigation into the case.
Emhenya reportedly died in police custody at the Nyanya Divisional Headquarters in Abuja on April 10, 2023.
His mother, a food vendor, accused the police of torturing her son to death during an interview on Human Rights Radio in Abuja on Monday.
She recounted that when she went to deliver food to her son, she was told she couldn’t see him because he was very tired.
A fellow suspect who shared the cell with Emhenya informed her that the police had beaten her son the previous day, which allegedly led to his death.
She also claimed she was assaulted by the police when she demanded an explanation for her son’s death.
In a statement, Force Spokesperson ACP Muyiwa Adejobi said the Inspector-General is deeply concerned about the incident and has directed the Deputy Inspector-General of the Force Criminal Investigation Department to immediately commence a thorough and transparent investigation and report the findings 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.
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“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“.
“The IGP therefore calls for calm and support from members of the public on the matter while assuring that the police will continually uphold and protect people’s human rights in their day-to-day activities.
“He equally reassures the public of the Police’s commitment to sustaining its internal control mechanism to deal decisively and sanction any erring police personnel who engage in unprofessional conduct.
“The IGP hereby commiserates with the family of the deceased and prays for the repose of his soul.”
(Vanguard)
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