A tragic incident in Badagry, Lagos State, has left the community in shock after a retired 63-year-old police officer, DSP Charles Atideka, allegedly killed three people over a land dispute before reportedly taking his own life.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, when Charles Atideka is said to have shot and killed three individuals, including two family members, Mr. Richard Atideka and Mrs. Latevi Atideka, both from Yovoyan community, as well as Mr. Muji Onilude from the neighboring Gberefu community. The killings took place between 2 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. in the Atideka compound, according to a survivor of the attack, Mr. David Atideka, who recounted the harrowing experience.
The Lagos State Police Command confirmed the incident on Thursday, with spokesperson SP Benjamin Hundeyin stating that Atideka, after committing the murders, allegedly ingested a poisonous substance. He was rushed to the hospital in an unconscious state, where he was later confirmed dead. "The suspect in the incident is dead. He killed three people and allegedly took poison after committing the act. His corpse and those of the victims have been deposited in the morgue," Hundeyin said.
However, a conflicting account of the events was provided by Mr. Henry Atideka, the son of the deceased. Henry disputed the suicide claim, stating that his father collapsed on his way to the Badagry Police Station for interrogation. He explained that his father had been invited as a prime suspect in the killings, and was in the process of going to the station when he suddenly collapsed and was rushed to the General Hospital in Badagry.
"When my brother arrived at the hospital, he found three policemen guarding my father, who was considered a prime suspect in the killings. Later, when my brother returned, he found that my father had passed away," Henry said.
According to Henry, the rise in his father's blood pressure, caused by the stress and accusations, was likely the cause of his death. He called for a thorough investigation to find the real culprit behind the killings. "My father was a respected member of the Badagry community. He didn’t kill anyone. The police should conduct a thorough investigation to find the real culprit so his soul can rest in peace," he added.
Dr. Olatunde Bakare, the Medical Director of General Hospital Badagry, confirmed that Atideka was rushed to the hospital in the afternoon and passed away three hours later. However, he noted that the hospital had not yet conducted tests to determine the exact cause of death, leaving the circumstances surrounding the retired officer's death unclear.
The police are continuing their investigation into the incident, with questions still remaining over whether the death was a result of suicide or an unfortunate medical condition exacerbated by the stress of the situation. The Atideka family continues to call for justice and clarity on the matter.
