Public Distrust Grows As Police Speak On Death In Custody Of Abuja Man

The Federal Capital Territory Police command has come under heavy criticism following its denial of allegations that officers tortured Erasmus Emhenya to death in Nyanya police station.

The controversy erupted after Erasmus’ mother spoke out on the Brekete Family radio and TV program, accusing the police of mishandling her son, who died while in custody on April 6, 2023.

Mrs. Emhenya claimed that Erasmus was arrested during a police raid linked to a murder case, but while other detainees were released, her son was inexplicably held back.

She alleged that she was denied access to him until she discovered he had died in custody. An autopsy later reportedly revealed that Erasmus died from injuries sustained during torture.

However, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, countered these allegations in a statement, asserting that Erasmus was not tortured to death.

According to SP Adeh, “Discrete investigations were conducted to determine the remote and immediate cause of death of the deceased with an autopsy carried out, which confirmed that the deceased was not tortured to death as alleged.”

The police invited interested parties to review the autopsy report at their headquarters.

Further supporting the police’s stance, Prince Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, stated, “The autopsy report cleared the air on this. The boy, who was a cultist and arrested for alleged raping and killing of a young lady in the company of his friend, was never tortured by the police.” He emphasized, “Erasmus was a cultist who had been fingered in many crises and alleged killings of some innocent Nigerians in the area. He died of asphyxiation, according to the autopsy. Not torture, please.”

Despite these assertions, skepticism abounds on social media. Critics pointed to inconsistencies and questioned the transparency of the police’s investigation, citing past controversies and failures in handling similar cases. Many expressed disbelief, demanding further explanations and accountability from the authorities.

@DanielRegha tweeted, “How come he’s the only one that died of asphyxiation? It’s very different to take the Nigerian police serious when all the agency does is l!e.”

@Ola2unjee1 expressed concern, “My everyday prayer as a Nigerian is that I don’t want to have any encounters with any forces in this country especially @PoliceNG Walahi they’re not our friends They’re the real enemies politicians/governments are using against us.”

The conflicting narratives have intensified public scrutiny and underscored ongoing tensions between law enforcement and the Nigerian public, highlighting deep-seated mistrust and calls for accountability.

As investigations continue, the debate over Erasmus Emhenya’s tragic death remains fraught with skepticism and demands for justice.

@dicmacg1: Police will only tell you they want u to know

@okunadeabraham1: The boy died in police custody due to asphyxiation (lack of oxygen) which means he was choked to death. Can the police go ahead and tell us what caused  asphyxiation

@OluMidas4Naija: Daniel, asphyxiation only means the lack of oxygen in the respiratory/circulatory system. It does not necessarily mean that it’s as a result of strangulation. Inability to absorb oxygen can also cause it as in d case of COVID and asthma.

If strangulation, autopsy will detect it.

@CityBoy0077 E SHOCK YOU TO @DanielRegha E  All OF US TO OHH

@HassanOkeftty: If Peter Obi speaks on this matter, many will accuse him of attacking the government. Are we supposed to stay silent when such issues arise? And @renoomokri will jump to defend the indefensible. he is indirectly seeking Tinubu forgiveness!

@PoliceNG pls do something to stop this!

They’re the real enemies politicians/governments are using against us

@kaizy25: The word asphyxiation means he wasn’t receiving good treatment. The whole recruitment process in Nigeria is a bane to our development and I keep saying it that either we collect directly or indirectly one must happen.

@KynxleeA: Why are some Nigerians selectively ignorant or conveniently pretensive and poor in their thought process. Fact is ASPHYXIATION CANNOT OCCUR INDEPENDENT OF EXTERNAL FACTOR(S). The Police know more than they’re sharing with the public. They’re hiding the TRUTH😔❗

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