The Ogun State Police Command has refuted allegations that a suspect, Ezekiel Okewusi, died in their custody after spending four days at the Ajuwon Police Station. Contrary to assertions, the police insist that Okewusi died in the hospital after complaining of body pains and was not pronounced dead within the Ajuwon Police Station cell.
A Lagos-based lawyer, Alayo Akanbi, submitted a petition urging the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, to investigate the circumstances surrounding Okewusi’s alleged death in the police cell. The lawyer alleged that Okewusi was beaten to the brink of death by the Oodua Peoples Congress before being handed over to the police at the Ajuwon Divisional Police.
Okewusi, accused of stealing a phone, was reportedly dumped at the Ajuwon Police Station on December 11, 2023, and died on December 15, 2023, while in police custody. Akanbi claims that instead of providing medical care, the police confined Okewusi in a cell where he later died.
The police spokesperson, Mrs. Omolola Odutola, dismissed the claims, asserting that Okewusi died in the hospital. She mentioned that the police suspected Okewusi had been beaten before arriving at the station. According to Odutola, the police took the initiative to locate Okewusi’s family, as no one in the vicinity could provide information about his relatives.
The lawyer, on behalf of the Okewusi family, called for a thorough investigation into the matter, alleging that the police officers at Ajuwon Police Station displayed insensitivity and violated Okewusi’s right to life.
The Ogun State Police emphasized their commitment to uncovering the truth and holding those responsible accountable.