The death of Inspector Yusuf Blessing, a policeman serving in the Ondo State Police Command, has triggered a wave of controversy and suspicion, prompting a high-level investigation and an ordered autopsy. Initial reports from the police indicated that Inspector Blessing had drowned in a river in the Akotogbo community, Irele Local Government Area. However, upon the arrival of his body at his residence in Akure, the state capital, the family disputed the drowning narrative, alleging foul play. They claimed to have discovered burn marks on Blessing’s body, casting doubt on the official police report. The conflicting accounts have generated public outcry and prompted the state Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, to intervene and order a thorough autopsy to determine the true cause of death.
The family’s suspicion was further fueled by the behavior of the three officers who accompanied Blessing’s coffin. The officers reportedly refused to open the coffin for viewing, leading to a tense confrontation with family members and well-wishers. The situation escalated when the officers abruptly abandoned the coffin and their vehicle in front of the family house and fled the scene. This unusual behavior only deepened the family’s distrust and reinforced their suspicion that something untoward had occurred. When the family finally opened the coffin, they were shocked to discover that the body was indeed burnt, with a cracked skull, completely contradicting the drowning narrative provided by the police.
The official police statement, released by the Police Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami, details the initial steps taken by the police following Inspector Blessing’s disappearance. According to the statement, when Blessing failed to report for duty, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) initiated a search. Two days later, the marine police reported the discovery of a body in a river, later identified as Inspector Blessing. The police claim that the body was found fully clothed and with no visible injuries or signs of violence, apart from swelling on the head. This account directly clashes with the family’s claim of burn injuries.
The police statement also addresses the family’s initial refusal of an autopsy. The statement claims that the family vehemently opposed the procedure and insisted on the immediate release of the body for burial. The police, according to their statement, complied with the family’s request and even covered the cost of transporting the remains to Akure. The police maintain that the clothing found on the deceased was intact, dismissing the possibility of arson and reiterating their initial assessment of no visible signs of violence. This assertion further contradicts the family’s account of a burnt body.
The conflicting accounts of Inspector Blessing’s death have created a complex situation requiring a thorough and impartial investigation. The ordered autopsy will be crucial in establishing the true cause of death and addressing the family’s concerns. The results of the autopsy will not only provide closure to the grieving family but also help to determine whether foul play was involved and hold any responsible parties accountable. The investigation will also need to address the actions of the officers who accompanied the body and why they abandoned the coffin and fled the scene.
The case underscores the importance of transparency and accountability within law enforcement. The discrepancies between the police report and the family’s observations necessitate a thorough and impartial investigation to establish the truth and maintain public trust. The outcome of the autopsy and subsequent investigation will be critical in determining whether this was a tragic accident, as initially portrayed by the police, or a more sinister incident requiring further action and accountability within the police force. The public awaits the findings of the investigation with keen interest, hoping for clarity and justice in the death of Inspector Yusuf Blessing.
