Alleged torture: IG orders fresh probe into death of Erasmus
IGP, Kayode Egbetokun
Alleged torture: IG orders fresh probe into death of Erasmus
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered a fresh investigation into the death of Emhenya Erasmus, a murder suspect who was allegedly tortured to death in police custody.
Erasmus was confirmed dead in police custody after he was arrested for alleged involvement in the murder of Blessing Ogbu, in front of the Number One Hotel in Nyanya, Abuja.
However, in a viral video on July 5, the mother of the deceased was seen in a video crying while narrating how she discovered that her son had allegedly been beaten to death in the custody of the Federal Capital Territory police command.
In a statement on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IG expressed grave concern over the incident and directed the Deputy Inspector General Force Criminal Investigation Department to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the matter and forward the report forthwith.
Adejobi in the statement said, “The IGP therefore calls for calm and support from members of the public on the matter while assuring that the police will continually uphold and protect people’s human rights in their day-to-day activities. He equally reassures the public of the Police’s commitment to sustaining its internal control mechanism to deal decisively and sanction any erring police personnel who engage in unprofessional conduct.
“The IGP hereby commiserates with the family of the deceased and prays for the repose of his soul.”
Dailyeconomy on July 5, reported that Abuja Police Command denied the allegation that Erasmus was tortured to death while in their custody and claimed that he died of asphyxiation.
