Bayelsa: Outrage over 24-year-old’s death after release from police custody

Controversy, confusion and outrage have continued to trailed the death of a 24-yr-old man identified as Patrick Peresousdei, who allegedly died six days after his release from a detention facility operated by the Bayelsa State Police Command.

While the police have denied torturing the deceased in their facility, claiming that he was brought to their facility with bruises, the younger brother of Patrick Peresousdei, who was arrested alongside his deceased brother has accused security operatives of torturing Patrick while in custody, allegations the police have denied.

Patrick’s brother, Destiny Peresousdei, alleged that they were assaulted and abused by one Bodmas Kemepadei, alongside personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), before both brothers were handed over to the police, saying that his late brother became critically ill following alleged torture by some police officers.

Destiny in a 20-minute video obtained during the a fact-finding visit to the deceased family by the State Commissioner for Youth Development, Alfred Kemepado Nimizigha, disputes police claims that Patrick was already injured before his arrest.

He said: “My name is Destiny Peresousdei, and it was on January 15, 2026, around 5:45 a.m., when someone knocked at our gate. We later realised it was Bodmas’ vehicle. My brother went downstairs to open the gate, and immediately Bodmas started slapping him.”

Destiny alleged that four NSCDC officers later joined in the assault and that both brothers were forced into a vehicle and driven, not to a police station, but first to Kemepadei’s residence.

“At Bodmas’ house, some boys came out, lifted us, threw us on the floor, tied our hands and legs, and beat us for close to three hours,” he said. “They used planks and machetes. We were bleeding before they finally took us to Operation Puff Adder.”

According to Destiny, the brothers were detained without a formal statement or petition and held for several days. He said Patrick appeared healthy when he was briefly separated from him on January 20, but returned later in critical condition.

“They just threw my brother to me. He couldn’t talk, he couldn’t raise his arms or neck,” Destiny said. “That was when my uncle rushed him to the hospital.”

Patrick was taken to several public hospitals in Bayelsa State and later referred to tertiary facilities in Port Harcourt, but Destiny said the family struggled to raise funds for treatment. Patrick died on January 28 after developing breathing difficulties.

“The police never took my brother to a clinic,” Destiny said. “Everything we did was on our own.”

The Bayelsa State Police Command has not publicly responded in detail to the allegations. In the video referenced, however, police officials maintained that Patrick had pre-existing injuries before being handed over to them — a claim Destiny described as “false.”

Civil society groups have called for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Patrick’s arrest, detention and death.

BAYELSA CP ORDERS FULL INVESTIGATION

The Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor, has directed a full-scale investigation with a view to unraveling the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensuring that justice is served.

A statement by the Police Public Relations Officerr of the Command, DSP Musa Mohammed, said : “The attention of the Bayelsa State Police Command has been drawn to viral videos circulating on social media platforms concerning the alleged murder of Odutua Patrick Peresuodei ‘M’ aged 24 years, of Amassoma, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. The development has generated widespread public interest and mixed reactions across the state.

“In view of the foregoing, the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor psc, IICFIP, foosi has directed a full-scale investigation with a view to unraveling the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensuring that justice is served.

“Preliminary investigation reveal that on 15th January, 2026, at about 1800 hours, one Bodmas Prince Kemepade ‘M’ of ICHC Centre, Tenacious Street, Edepie, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, allegedly arrested and brought one Peresuodei Ondutimi Abbah ‘M’, aged 24 years and Peresuodei Destiny ”M”, aged 22 years, both of Amassoma Community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, at their residence.The alleged suspects were brought in company of his security details personnel of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) over an alleged threat to life post on Facebook.

“Upon their arrival at the station, bruises were reportedly seen on the bodies of the suspects by the Police. However, due to the seriousness of the allegation, investigation commenced immediately. Statements were obtained from the suspects, but Peresuodei Ondutimi Abbah ‘M’ now deceased was observed not to be coherent in his statement and was taken to the Police Clinic for medical examination and treatment. At the hospital, the attending doctor advised that the suspect be released to his relatives for proper medical attention.

“Subsequently, the suspects were released to a family member, one Charles Edure .

“However, about two weeks after their release, reports surfaced on social media alleging that Peresuodei Ondutimi Abbah, who was released earlier, died on 30th January, 2026.The Command should not be dragged into this allegation of murder on social media platforms. However ,the Command has since launched a manhunt on Bodmas and his cohorts.

“The Bayelsa State Police Command appeals to members of the public to remain calm, avoid speculation, and refrain from spreading unverified information capable of hindering investigations or inflaming public tension. Individuals with useful and credible information are encouraged to cooperate with the Police to aid the ongoing investigation.
The Command reiterates its commitment to professionalism, transparency, and the rule of law and assures the public that further developments will be communicated as investigations progress.”(Vanguard)