Controversy, confusion and public outrage have continued to surround the death of a 24-year-old man identified as Patrick Peresousdei, who died six days after his release from a detention facility operated by the Bayelsa State Police Command, community and family sources said on Wednesday.
The incident has drawn attention from residents and rights groups, prompting calls for a thorough inquiry into the circumstances of his arrest, detention and subsequent death.
Patrick and his younger brother, Destiny Peresousdei, were taken into custody at their home in Amassoma Community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area by personnel including a man identified as Bodmas Kemepadei and officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Destiny said in a video obtained by reporters.
Destiny said the two were assaulted before being handed over to the police and detained without a formal statement or petition. He claimed Patrick appeared healthy when briefly seen on January 20, but later returned in critical condition without the ability to raise his arms or neck.
The family later took Patrick to several public hospitals in Bayelsa State and tertiary facilities in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he continued to receive treatment.
Destiny said the family struggled to raise funds for his medical care, and that Patrick developed breathing difficulties and died on January 28.
Officials of the Bayelsa State Police Command have denied that Patrick was tortured while in custody, stating that he was brought to the facility with bruises already on his body.
In a statement, the command said bruises were observed upon arrival and that Patrick was taken to a police clinic for medical examination and treatment before being released to a family member for further care.
The Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor, has directed a full-scale investigation into the incident, including the questioning of NSCDC personnel in connection with the case, according to a police statement.
Civil society groups and community members have called for an independent investigation into Patrick’s arrest, detention and death. They said the circumstances require transparency and accountability to ensure justice.
Outrage has grown following the death of 24-year-old Patrick Peresousdei days after his release from a Bayelsa State Police detention facility.
The family has accused security operatives of abuse while in custody, which the police have denied, and authorities have launched a full-scale investigation into the matter.
