A former Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Charles Atideka, reportedly took his own life after allegedly shooting and killing three individuals over a land dispute in Badagry, Lagos State. However, conflicting reports from family members challenge the suicide claim, sparking further investigations.
The Tragic Incident in Badagry
According to the Lagos State Police Command, the 63-year-old ex-officer shot two family members and another individual on Tuesday before allegedly ingesting poison. The victims were identified as:
- Mr. Richard Atideka (Yovoyan community)
- Mrs. Latevi Atideka (Yovoyan community)
- Mr. Muji Onilude (Gberefu community)
A survivor, Mr. David Atideka, recounted that the attack took place between 2:00 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. within the Atideka compound.
Police Confirmation and Investigation
Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident, stating:
“The suspect in the incident is dead. He killed three people and allegedly took poison after committing the act. He was rushed to the hospital, where doctors confirmed him dead. His corpse and those of the victims have been deposited in the morgue.”
Family Challenges Suicide Claim
Contrary to the police report, Henry Atideka, son of the deceased ex-DSP, insisted that his father did not commit suicide but collapsed on his way to the police station.
“When the police visited our community after the incident, my father was invited to the Badagry Police Station for interrogation as the prime suspect. Around 8:30 a.m., he prepared to go and called to inform me. But by 12:30 p.m., I received a call that he had collapsed and was rushed to General Hospital Badagry,” Henry explained.
Hospital Reports and Mysterious Death
According to Dr. Olatunde Bakare, Medical Director of General Hospital Badagry, Charles Atideka was admitted in the afternoon and died about three hours later.
“The hospital has not conducted any tests to determine the exact cause of death. We do not know whether he ingested poison or if his death resulted from a sudden rise in blood pressure.”
Adding to the mystery, Henry’s brother, John Atideka, claimed that their father was under police guard at the hospital.
“John paid for my father’s admission and some drugs. But when he returned around 3:30 p.m., my father and the three policemen guarding him were nowhere to be found.”
Ongoing Investigation
With conflicting reports about the retired DSP’s death, the police have continued investigations to determine the exact cause of his passing and the killings.
The case raises crucial questions about land disputes and security in local communities, highlighting the need for effective conflict resolution mechanisms to prevent such tragedies.
Read more on security issues in Nigeria
Lagos State Police Command Official Website
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