Destiny Peresousdei, the younger brother of 24-year-old Patrick Peresousdei, has accused operatives of the Bayelsa State Police Command of torturing his brother to death while in detention.
Patrick reportedly died last week, barely six days after he was released from a police cell operated by a squad known as Operation Puff Alder.
The allegation has sparked protests in parts of Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, with youths calling for a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding Patrick’s death.
Speaking during a visit by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Youth Development, Alfred Kemepado Nimizigha, Destiny claimed that he and his brother were first assaulted by one Bodmas Kemepadei and some personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) before they were handed over to the police.
According to Destiny, the incident happened on January 15, 2026, when someone knocked on their gate in the early hours of the morning.
“My name is Destiny Peresousdei. On January 15, 2026, around 5.45am, someone knocked on our gate. We later realized that it was Bodmas’ vehicle. My brother and I went downstairs to open the gate, and immediately Bodmas started slapping my brother,” he said.
He added that four NSCDC officers with Bodmas allegedly joined in assaulting them, forced them into a vehicle and drove them to Bodmas’ residence.
“At Bodmas’ house, some boys lifted us from the car and threw us on the floor, tied our hands and legs, and beat us. They finally took us to the office of the Operation Puff Alder of the Nigeria Police,” Destiny stated.
Destiny further alleged that both of them were detained without any formal petition or statement being taken, and that his brother’s health deteriorated after days of torture.
He said they were separated on January 20, and when he later saw Patrick again, his condition had worsened.
“They just threw my brother to me. He couldn’t talk, he couldn’t raise his arms; that was when my uncle rushed him to hospital,” he explained.
Destiny claimed Patrick was taken to different public hospitals in Bayelsa before being referred to a medical facility in Port Harcourt, but the family struggled to raise funds for treatment.
He said Patrick eventually died on January 28 after developing breathing difficulties.
“The police never took my brother to a clinic, everything we did was on our own,” he added.
Following the incident, civil society groups in Bayelsa State have called for an independent probe into Patrick’s arrest, detention and death.
Police Deny Torture Allegation
However, the Bayelsa State Police Command has denied the allegations, claiming that Patrick was already injured before he was brought to the station.
In a statement, the police spokesperson, DSP Musa Muhammad, said Patrick and Destiny were brought to the station by Bodmas Kemepadei and NSCDC personnel over an alleged threat-to-life post on Facebook.
According to the police, bruises were noticed on their bodies upon arrival.
The statement said Patrick was unable to give a coherent statement and was taken to a police clinic for medical attention. The police claimed a doctor advised that he be released to his family for further care.
The command added that it had launched a manhunt for Bodmas and others involved, while the Commissioner of Police, Iyamah Daniel Edebor, ordered an investigation into the cause of Patrick’s death.
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The police also appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.
Bayelsa Government Promises Justice
Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State Government has promised to ensure that anyone found responsible for Patrick’s death is held accountable.
The State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Biriyai Dambo, said the government is working closely with security agencies to ensure a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation.
He disclosed that investigations had progressed significantly, with statements and critical information already obtained.
Dambo added that Governor Douye Diri has directed the Attorney-General’s office to take over the matter for prosecution once investigations are concluded.
He urged residents to remain calm and avoid speculation that could disrupt the process.
