The Bayelsa State Police Command has commenced the interrogation of four personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in connection with the death of Patrick Peresoudei, following widespread public outrage and calls for justice.
Peresoudei died on January 30 after what his family and rights activists described as injuries sustained during an unlawful detention.
The incident has since triggered intense scrutiny of the actions of security operatives involved in his arrest.
The deceased, a traditional worshipper, was reportedly arrested after a social media exchange in which he challenged one Bodmas Kemepadei to “test an AK-47” on him, a comment that was interpreted as a threat to life.
Kempadei allegedly effected the arrest of Peresoudei and his 22-year-old relative, Peresoudei Destiny, with the assistance of NSCDC operatives.
Both were initially taken to the Amassoma Police Division and accused of criminal defamation, cyberstalking and threat to life.
Public attention to the case intensified after social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, released a video amplifying the family’s demand for justice.
He claimed, citing family sources, that Peresoudei was severely beaten while in custody, leaving him in critical condition before he eventually died at a hospital.
In a statement issued on Tuesday via X, the Bayelsa State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, confirmed that the four NSCDC personnel being questioned allegedly accompanied Kemepadei to Amassoma Community, where Peresoudei was arrested.
According to the statement, the victim was subsequently taken to Kemepadei’s residence in Yenagoa, where he was reportedly tortured before his death.
The statement added that the State Criminal Investigation Department is also interrogating members of the investigating team attached to Operation Restore Peace, also known as Operation Puff Adder.
The police assured the public that the investigation would be comprehensive, impartial and transparent, stressing that all individuals found culpable would be prosecuted in line with the law.
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to locate and arrest the prime suspect, Bodmas Kemepadei, who is currently on the run.
The Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State, CP Iyamah Daniel, appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with investigators, urging anyone with useful information to assist the police as the probe continues.
