By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
A dramatic scene unfolded in Osi, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, when enraged youths and family members attacked a police entourage that brought the remains of a deceased officer, Inspector Blessing Yusuf Suleiman, popularly known as Omo Alahaja, for burial.
The confrontation forced the policemen to flee, abandoning the coffin and their vehicle at the scene.
Inspector Yusuf, who served at the Akotogbo Division in Irele Local Government Area, reportedly died under mysterious circumstances.
Nigerian Monitor gathered that authorities claimed he had drowned in a river within his jurisdiction, but suspicions grew when his corpse arrived at his family home in Osi.
Youths and relatives demanded to view the body, only to discover that it was severely burnt, with visible marks and a cracked skull, findings that sharply contradicted the initial account of drowning.
According to a source close to the family, Yusuf’s wife raised concerns after failing to reach her husband for 24 hours.
She later received a call from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), who informed her that her husband had drowned.
The DPO assured her that his body would be transported to Osi the following day.
However, when the coffin arrived, it was sealed, arousing suspicion among family members and community members who insisted on inspecting the remains.
Eyewitnesses reported that the shocking state of the corpse sparked outrage, with many accusing the police of foul play.
The situation escalated when the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO), who led the team, was physically attacked by irate youths.
Amid the chaos, the police entourage fled, leaving the coffin and their vehicle behind.
The incident has intensified tensions in the community, with residents demanding answers about the true cause of Yusuf’s death.
Speaking on the matter, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, stated that investigations are ongoing and promised to provide further details in due course.
