The Nigeria Police Force is the principal law enforcement and the lead security agency in Nigeria. The police officers enforces laws, prevent and investigate crimes, apprehend criminal suspect and protect life and property.
In the course of discharging these duties, there have been records of death of victims in custody and sometimes the causes of these deaths are undisclosed or discussed as they are usually swept under the carpet, and if taken to court it later becomes a dusty file kept under shelf.
However, there are many reasons that could cause the death of victims and suspects in police custody, this includes natural causes like injuries, medical conditions or heart problems which can be exacerbated while in detention. Suicide is equally a frequent cause of death in custody, and this include self harm.
Restraint and force, this can happen when an individual is held in prone situation, their agitation can lead to asphyxiation.
One very important aspect is mental health, the effect of alcohol, mental health issues and stress from the situation can contribute to death.
Another causes of death in police custody is torture through several physiological and physical mechanisms
There is a recent story from Abia state, where the family of Mr. Wilson Okorie Akobundu is calling for justice for their son who was allegedly tortured to death during interrogation by police officers at the Bende Police Division. The family is insisting it should not be swept under the carpet.
One can only wonder when does interrogation, questioning and apprehension becomes a death penalty to victims and suspects in police custody in Nigeria?
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