Controversy and public concern have continued to surround the death of 24-year-old Patrick Peresousdei, who died several days after being released from a detention facility operated by the Bayelsa State Police Command, sources reported during a fact-finding visit to the family in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The deceased was taken into custody in mid-January along with his younger brother, Destiny Peresousdei, over an alleged threat to life post on a social media platform.
Police officials stated that bruises were visible on the men when they were brought to the station but did not provide detailed public clarification about the circumstances of the arrest or subsequent detention.
Destiny Peresousdei has publicly disputed the police account, alleging that both brothers were assaulted by an individual identified as Bodmas Kemepadei, with personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) before being handed over to police custody.
He said that his late brother appeared healthy upon initial detention but was in critical condition when returned to the family and later developed breathing difficulties that led to his death.
After being released from police custody, Patrick was taken to multiple hospitals in Bayelsa State and later referred to facilities in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where the family sought further treatment.
The family said they struggled to raise funds for medical care and that police did not take him to a clinic themselves.
The Bayelsa State Police Command has not publicly responded in detail to the family’s claims. Civil society groups have called for an independent investigation into Patrick’s arrest, detention and subsequent death to determine the circumstances and ensure accountability.
