A tragic incident in Asaba, Delta State, has raised fresh concerns about police brutality in Nigeria. A young man, identified as Okediachi Emeka, reportedly died after sustaining head injuries allegedly inflicted by police officers.
According to the victim’s family, Emeka was assaulted by police operatives at Ogbe-Osowe quarters on November 14, 2024. His brother, Okediachi Desmond, narrated the ordeal, stating that Emeka and his friends were returning from a hotel around midnight when they were stopped by unidentified men. Suspecting the men were kidnappers, they drove off but were eventually cornered by the police, who allegedly began shooting and beating them.
Desmond recounted, “The police hit his head with a gun, causing a severe injury. My brother told me they later took him to the hospital for a bandage but also seized his phone and extorted ₦150,000 from him. They even forced him to record a video claiming he hit his head on a wall while running from them.”
Desmond added that despite medical efforts, Emeka’s condition deteriorated. “He started experiencing back pain and jerking. When we rushed him to the hospital, he was pronounced dead,” he said, dismissing police claims that his brother’s injuries were self-inflicted.
The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, provided a contrasting account, stating that the police were responding to a distress call about suspicious individuals when they encountered Emeka’s vehicle. He claimed Emeka fled on foot and later returned with a head injury, alleging he hit his head on a wall while running.
Edafe said, “The police took him to the hospital and paid his medical bills. He later gave a statement at the police headquarters confirming he hit his head on a wall. The Commissioner of Police has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.”
The Commissioner also extended condolences to the victim’s family and assured them of a fair investigation, pledging that any officer found culpable would face justice.
This incident has ignited public outcry over allegations of police brutality and extrajudicial actions, which have previously led to loss of lives. Calls for accountability and reform within the Nigerian police force continue to grow as families like Emeka’s seek justice for their loved ones.
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