The Ogun State Police Command has launched an investigation into the death of a suspected cultist in their custody. According to a statement from the command’s spokesperson, SP Omolola Odutola, the police received intelligence about the presence of wanted cultists in the Atoyo area of Sagamu on November 18, 2023. A covert operation led to the arrest of two notorious cult members, Oduyiga Seyi Samson and Gbenga Adejoke, affiliated with the Buccaneer and Eiye confraternities.
During interrogation, both suspects confessed to being members of the outlawed Buccaneer and Eiye confraternities, with Seyi revealing his initiation in 2015. Odutola denied allegations of Seyi dying from police brutality, stating that he was already charged for cult-related activities and was scheduled to appear in court on November 23, 2023. However, the court session did not hold, and Seyi was returned to the Eleweran facility in Abeokuta.
On the morning of November 24, Seyi reportedly exhibited erratic behavior in the cell, biting and assaulting other detainees until he became exhausted. The police were alerted, and Seyi was taken to the police hospital and subsequently to Ijaye General Hospital Abeokuta for medical treatment. Unfortunately, Seyi passed away during medical attention. The police await the autopsy report for further details.
Emphasizing the commitment to upholding human rights, particularly in the treatment of suspects, Odutola reiterated that torture is strictly against the police command’s protocols and principles. She affirmed the command’s adherence to legal frameworks safeguarding the rights of individuals in custody, ensuring freedom from cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
