A 39-year-old barber, Seyi Oduyiga, has lost his life while in custody at the Awolowo Market Police Station in Ogun State. Oduyiga, along with several others, was apprehended and detained during a police raid on Saturday, November 18, 2023, on cultism allegations.
Shockingly, Oduyiga was discovered deceased in a mortuary just six days after his arrest, sparking concerns about the circumstances surrounding his demise. Despite the police’s claim that he had become “berserk” while in custody due to his alleged involvement in cult activities, disturbing photos obtained by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) indicate signs of torture leading to his death.
A relative of Oduyiga, who spoke anonymously with FIJ out of fear of reprisal, revealed that Inspector Raji Agbaje led the initial investigation at the Awolowo Market Police Station. Subsequently, on Tuesday, November 21, Oduyiga was transferred to the Eleweran headquarters in Abeokuta, where ASP Akinwale took charge of the case.
Throughout this period, Oduyiga’s family attempted to secure his release, but the police provided no information about any confession or statement made by the deceased. The police reportedly informed the family solely about Oduyiga’s tattoos, asserting that only cultists bear such markings.
On November 23, when his wife and sister sought to visit him, the police dissuaded them, claiming Oduyiga had been taken to court, though no court proceedings had taken place. The following day, when his sister and mother-in-law brought food to the station, confusion arose as no one could account for Oduyiga’s whereabouts.
After a prolonged wait, the family was taken to see the Deputy Commissioner of Police, who disclosed a disturbing narrative. According to the police, Oduyiga had exhibited erratic behaviour, talking to himself and allegedly biting his cellmates. Authorities asserted they had rushed him to a hospital, where he subsequently passed away. The family, left in shock and dismay, now seeks answers and justice for the mysterious and troubling circumstances surrounding Seyi Oduyiga’s untimely death in police custody.
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