The family of 24-year-old Patrick Peresousdei has accused operatives of the Bayelsa State Police Command of torturing him in custody, allegedly leading to his death shortly after his release.
Patrick reportedly died last week, just six days after he was freed from detention at the police tactical unit known as Operation Puff Adder.
While the police have denied responsibility, the incident has triggered protests in Yenagoa, the state capital, with youths demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Patrick’s younger brother, Destiny Peresousdei, alleged that both of them were first assaulted by Bodmas Kemepadei and some personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) before being handed over to the police on accusations of making threats.
Destiny said the ordeal began in the early hours of January 15, 2026.
“My name is Destiny Peresousdei. Around 5:45 a.m., someone knocked on our gate. It turned out to be Bodmas and some officers. Immediately we opened the gate, Bodmas started slapping my brother,” he said.
He claimed that four NSCDC officers joined in assaulting them before forcing both men into a vehicle and taking them to Bodmas’ residence, where they were allegedly beaten, restrained, and later transferred to the Operation Puff Adder office.
According to Destiny, the brothers were detained for several days without a formal petition or proper documentation and were repeatedly beaten. He said his brother’s condition deteriorated during the detention.
“They later threw my brother to me. He couldn’t talk or lift his arms. That was when my uncle rushed him to the hospital,” he said.
Patrick was reportedly taken to several public hospitals in Bayelsa and later referred to a medical facility in Port Harcourt. The family struggled to fund his treatment, but he eventually died on January 28 after developing breathing complications.
“The police never took him to any clinic. Everything we did was on our own,” Destiny added.
Civil society organisations in the state have called for an independent probe into the arrest, detention, and subsequent death.
However, the Bayelsa State Police Command rejected the torture claims, insisting that Patrick was already injured when he was brought to the station.
Police spokesperson, DSP Musa Muhammad, said Patrick and Destiny were brought to the station by Bodmas Kemepadei and NSCDC officers over an alleged threat-to-life complaint linked to a social media post.
According to him, officers noticed bruises on the suspects upon arrival. He added that Patrick appeared incoherent during questioning and was taken to the police clinic, where a doctor advised that he be released to his family for further medical care.
The police said the brothers were subsequently handed over to a relative and that Patrick’s death was reported about two weeks later.
“The command should not be dragged into allegations of murder on social media,” Muhammad said, adding that a manhunt had been launched for Bodmas and others involved.
Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State Government has pledged that justice will be served.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Biriyai Dambo, said the government is collaborating with security agencies to ensure a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation.
“Investigations are at an advanced stage, including obtaining critical information and witness statements,” he said. “The government will leave no stone unturned in uncovering the truth.”
He added that the Attorney-General’s office will take over the case for prosecution once investigations are concluded and urged the public to remain calm and avoid speculation.
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