The Bayelsa State Police Command has intensified investigations into the death of Patrick Peresoudei, with four personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) currently undergoing interrogation over their alleged roles in the incident.
The move comes amid widespread public anger and renewed demands for accountability following Peresoudei’s death on January 30.
Family members and rights advocates have alleged that he died from injuries sustained during an unlawful arrest and detention.
Peresoudei, identified as a traditional worshipper, was said to have engaged in a heated social media exchange with one Bodmas Kemepadei, during which he reportedly dared Kemepadei to “test an AK-47” on him.
The comment was subsequently interpreted as a threat to life.
According to reports, Kemepadei, with the assistance of NSCDC operatives, arrested Peresoudei and his 22-year-old relative, Peresoudei Destiny.
The duo was later taken to the Amassoma Police Division, where they were reportedly booked on charges including criminal defamation, cyberstalking and threat to life.
Public attention on the case grew after social media personality Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, released a video amplifying calls for justice.
Citing information from the victim’s family, Otse alleged that Peresoudei was brutally assaulted while in custody, leaving him in critical condition after his release. He later died while receiving treatment at a hospital.
Confirming developments in the investigation, the Bayelsa State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, said in a statement issued on Tuesday that the four NSCDC personnel being questioned allegedly accompanied Kemepadei to Amassoma Community, where Peresoudei was arrested.
The police further alleged that Peresoudei was taken to Kemepadei’s residence in Yenagoa, where he was reportedly subjected to torture before his death.
READ ALSO: NSCDC Officer Jailed Seven Years for Certificate Forgery, Corrupt Enrichment
Mohammed added that the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) is also interrogating members of the investigating team attached to Operation Restore Peace, also known as Operation Puff Adder.
The police command assured residents that the investigation would be comprehensive, transparent and devoid of bias, stressing that anyone found culpable would face prosecution in line with the law.
Meanwhile, efforts have been intensified to track down and arrest the prime suspect, Bodmas Kemepadei, who is currently on the run.
Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State, CP Iyamah Daniel, has appealed to members of the public to cooperate with security agencies and provide useful information that could aid the investigation.