Tragic Death Of Retired Police Officer Sparks Controversy In Badagry

A Tragic Twist in Badagry: Retired Police Officer Takes Own Life Amid Land Dispute

In a shocking turn of events, retired Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Charles Atideka, 63, has reportedly taken his own life after allegedly killing three people in a violent land dispute in Badagry, Lagos State. The news broke on Thursday, leaving the community reeling and raising questions about what led to such a tragic outcome.

According to police reports, Atideka’s violent spree began in the early hours of Tuesday morning. In a chilling sequence of events, he allegedly shot and killed two family members and one other individual, all in the span of a few minutes. The victims, identified as Richard Atideka and Latevi Atideka from the Yovoyan community, and Muji Onilude from the neighboring Gberefu community, were found dead inside the Atideka compound. This land dispute, which had apparently simmered for years, erupted into violence that left an entire community mourning.

But the tragedy didn’t end there. After allegedly committing the murders, the retired police officer reportedly ingested a poisonous substance, leading to his collapse. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors confirmed his death shortly after. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with many struggling to reconcile the memory of a respected former police officer with the actions that led to his untimely demise.

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Police Confirm Details of the Incident

SP Benjamin Hundeyin, spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, confirmed the incident to the press. He stated, “The suspect in the incident is dead. He killed three people and allegedly took poison after committing the act. He was later rushed to the hospital, where doctors confirmed him dead.” Hundeyin went on to explain that the bodies of the victims, as well as Atideka’s, have been taken to the morgue for further investigation. The police are currently working to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy and determine the exact cause of Atideka’s death.

This case has sparked a broader conversation about the dangers of unresolved disputes and the potential consequences of unchecked anger. As the community grapples with the loss of three innocent lives, many are calling for a deeper understanding of the factors that drove Atideka to such extremes.

Family Disputes Police Version of Events

However, not everyone agrees with the police’s version of events. Henry Atideka, the son of the deceased, has strongly disputed the claim that his father took his own life. In an emotional interview with Vanguard, Henry recounted a very different sequence of events, painting a picture of a man who was under immense pressure from the authorities.

Henry explained that his father, Charles Atideka, had been invited to the Badagry Police Station for questioning in connection with the murders. Around 8:30 a.m., Charles called his son to inform him that he was heading to the station. But by 12:30 p.m., Henry received a call informing him that his father had collapsed and was rushed to the General Hospital in Badagry. When Henry’s brother, John Atideka, arrived at the hospital, he found their father in the intensive care unit (ICU), guarded by three policemen.

What happened next has left the family with more questions than answers. According to Henry, when John returned to the ICU later, their father had vanished, and the policemen were nowhere to be found. A nurse informed the family that Charles had passed away, but the exact circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear. When Henry reached out to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for clarification, he was told that the DPO had no information regarding the matter.

Family Seeks Closure Amid Uncertainty

Henry expressed his frustration and confusion over the lack of transparency. “I arrived at the hospital around 4:00 p.m. and was initially denied access to my father’s body. After calling the DPO, I was finally allowed to see him,” he said. Upon seeing his father’s lifeless body, Henry was told that his death was caused by a sudden rise in blood pressure due to the stress of the accusations. But the family remains skeptical, questioning whether poison or other factors played a role.

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“My father was a respected member of the Badagry community. He didn’t kill anyone. The police need to investigate this properly so that his soul can rest in peace,” Henry emphasized. The family is now calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Charles Atideka’s death, hoping to uncover the truth and bring closure to a situation clouded by uncertainty.

Hospital Confirms Death but Questions Remain

The Medical Director of General Hospital Badagry, Olatunde Bakare, confirmed that Charles Atideka was brought to the hospital in the afternoon and passed away approximately three hours later. However, the hospital has not conducted any tests to determine the exact cause of death. Bakare stated, “We do not know whether the deceased committed suicide by swallowing something or if his death was caused by a rise in blood pressure.”

As the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of this tragedy, one thing is clear: the need for transparency and accountability is more important than ever. Whether it was a case of suicide, a medical emergency, or something else entirely, the truth must come to light to ensure justice for all involved.