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By: Manoah kikekon
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| Photo used to illustrate the story |
The son of retired DSP Charles Atideka insists his father did not commit suicide but died from high blood pressure after being accused of a triple murder in Badagry, Lagos.
The son of retired Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Charles Atideka has refuted claims that the 63-year-old committed suicide, stating instead that he collapsed and died while on his way to a police interrogation over an alleged triple homicide in Yovoyan community, Badagry.
Henry Atideka, the deceased’s son, revealed that his father was invited by the police as the prime suspect in the fatal shooting of two family members and another individual during a land dispute on Tuesday.
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According to Henry, his father had willingly prepared to honor the police invitation.
"Around 8:30 a.m., my father called to inform me he was heading to the Badagry Police Station. But by 12:30 p.m., I received a call that he had collapsed and was rushed to General Hospital, Badagry," Henry recounted.
He immediately dispatched his brother, John Atideka, to the hospital, where three policemen were stationed, citing the retired officer’s status as a murder suspect.
"John paid for his admission and medications before briefly leaving to change clothes. When he returned by 3:30 p.m., our father was nowhere to be found—along with the policemen. The nurse simply said he had passed away," Henry explained.
Upon arriving at the hospital around 4:00 p.m., Henry was initially barred from viewing his father’s body until he contacted the Divisional Police Officer (DPO).
"I saw his lifeless body—cold and still. My father didn’t kill anyone. The stress and false accusations spiked his blood pressure, leading to his death. The police must conduct a proper investigation to uncover the real culprit and give him peace in death," Henry pleaded.
Dr. Olatunde Bakare, Medical Director of General Hospital, Badagry, confirmed that the retired DSP was admitted in the afternoon and died within hours.
"No tests were conducted to determine if he ingested poison or if hypertension caused his death. We cannot confirm suicide at this stage," Dr. Bakare stated.
The case has sparked tension in Yovoyan, with residents demanding clarity from law enforcement. The Lagos State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement.