Family Accuses Security Operatives Of Torturing Ondutimi Before Death

The younger brother of Peresuodei Ondutimi Abbah has accused security operatives of torturing his brother while he was in custody.

Ondutimi reportedly died six days after he was released from a detention facility operated by the Bayelsa State Police Command known as Operation Puff Alder”. The police, however, have denied the allegations.

Ondutimi’s brother, Destiny Peresousdei, claimed that he and his late brother were first assaulted by Bodmas Kemepadei and some personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) before they were handed over to the police.

He alleged that Ondutimi later became seriously ill as a result of torture by these security operatives.

In a 20-minute video seen by LEADERSHIP, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Youth Development, Alfred Kemepado Nimizigha, was shown visiting the family as part of efforts to calm tensions and find out what happened.

In the video, Destiny disagreed with police claims that Ondutimi already had injuries before his arrest.

He said, “My name is Destiny Peresousdei, and it was on January 15, 2026, around 5:45 a.m., when someone knocked at our gate. We later realised it was Bodmas’ vehicle. My brother went downstairs to open the gate, and immediately Bodmas started slapping him.”

Destiny said four NSCDC officers later joined in beating them, and both brothers were forced into a vehicle, adding that they were not taken straight to a police station but were first driven to Kemepadei’s house.

“At Bodmas’ house, some boys came out, lifted us, threw us on the floor, tied our hands and legs, and beat us for close to three hours. They used planks and machetes. We were bleeding before they finally took us to Operation Puff Alder,” he said.

According to Destiny, they were kept in detention for days without any formal statement being taken from them, stating that Ondutimi looked fine when they were briefly separated on January 20, but later returned in a very weak condition.

“They just threw my brother to me. He couldn’t talk, he couldn’t raise his arms or neck. That was when my uncle rushed him to the hospital, “Destiny said.

Ondutimi was reportedly taken to several hospitals in Bayelsa and later referred to bigger hospitals in Port Harcourt. Destiny said the family struggled to raise money for his treatment, and Ondutimi eventually died on January 28 after he developed breathing problems.

“The police never took my brother to a clinic,” Destiny said. “Everything we did was on our own.”

The Bayelsa State Police Command has not given a detailed public response to the claims. However, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, said in a statement that Ondutimi had existing injuries before he was handed over to the police, a claim Destiny described as “false.”

Mohammed said, “Preliminary investigation reveal that on 15th January, 2026, at about 1800 hours, one Bodmas Prince Kemepade ‘M’ of ICHC Centre, Tenacious Street, Edepie, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, allegedly arrested and brought one Peresuodei Ondutimi Abbah ‘M’, aged 24 years and Peresuodei Destiny ”M”, aged 22 years, both of Amassoma Community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, at their residence.

“The alleged suspects were brought in company of his security details personnel of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) over an alleged threat to life post on Facebook.

“Upon their arrival at the station, bruises were reportedly seen on the bodies of the suspects by the Police. However, due to the seriousness of the allegation, investigation commenced immediately. Statements were obtained from the suspects, but Peresuodei Ondutimi Abbah ‘M’ now deceased was observed not to be coherent in his statement and was taken to the Police Clinic for medical examination and treatment.

“At the hospital, the attending doctor advised that the suspect be released to his relatives for proper medical attention. Subsequently, the suspects were released to a family member, one Charles Edure.

“However, about two weeks after their release, reports surfaced on social media alleging that Peresuodei Ondutimi Abbah, who was released earlier, died on 30th January, 2026. The Command should not be dragged into this allegation of murder on social media platforms. However, the Command has since launched a manhunt on Bodmas and his cohorts.”

Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State Government has reacted to the death of Mr. Peresuodei Ondutimi Abbah, describing the incident as unfortunate.

In a statement yesterday, the attorney general and commissioner for Justice, Biriyai Dambo, SAN, expressed condolences to the family, friends, and the community of the deceased.

He assured the public that the Bayelsa State Government is committed to ensuring justice in the matter, adding that anyone found responsible for the death would be held accountable through due legal process.

According to Dambo, SAN, Governor Douye Diri has directed the Ministry of Justice to take special interest in the case, noting that the ministry is working closely with the Bayelsa State Police Command and other security agencies to carry out a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation.

He added that key information and witness statements have already been obtained as investigations reach an advanced stage.

He further stated that once the investigation is concluded, the Office of the Attorney-General will take over the case for prosecution and urged the public to remain calm, avoid speculation, and not spread unverified information that could disrupt the investigation or create tension.