Coroner’s inquest: Brother reveals horrific abuse before Patrick Peresuodei’s death. By Chris Mark
Coroner’s inquest: Brother reveals horrific abuse before Patrick Peresuodei’s death
The tragic circumstances surrounding the death of 24-year-old Patrick Peresuodei took centre stage on Wednesday as the Coroner’s Court in Yenagoa heard its first witness in the ongoing inquest.
Mr. Destiny Peresuodei, brother of the deceased, recounted the harrowing events leading to Patrick’s death before Magistrate Obiri Baitimizimo Florizel at the Multidoor Courthouse, Bayelsa State Judiciary Complex.
According to Mr. Peresuodei, he and his brother were abducted on January 15, 2026, from their father’s residence in Amassoma Community by one Mr. Bodmas Kemepadei and four officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The siblings were taken to Mr. Kemepadei’s residence in Tenacious, Edepie, Yenagoa, where they were allegedly assaulted by Kemepadei and a group of seven to ten associates.
He said the attackers inflicted multiple injuries, including head wounds, and flogged them with a machete under Kemepadei’s instructions.
After approximately 90 minutes, the brothers were bound and transported by NSCDC officers to the Operation Puff Adder unit of the Bayelsa State Police Command, where they were detained for about two days.
Mr. Peresuodei stated that their sister, Miss Pretty Peresuodei, and their uncle, Mr. Charles Edure, intervened to secure their release.
On January 20, 2026, after being taken out of the cell by an individual identified as Mr. Barnabas to write a statement, he returned to find Patrick missing from the cell.
A fellow detainee informed him that Patrick had been taken away by police officers and later returned in a critically deteriorated state—barely responsive, unable to speak, or move.
Patrick was immediately transferred to the General Hospital in Amassoma for emergency treatment, where he remained in critical condition and regained limited speech the following day.
After five days, doctors advised that his unstable neck injury exceeded the hospital’s capacity.
He was referred first to Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH), then to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa, and later to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) for specialized care.
However, due to financial constraints, the family could not pursue immediate treatment at UPTH.
Patrick was taken home, where he eventually passed away on January 29, 2026, before the required funds were secured.
The court adjourned proceedings to Monday, March 23, 2026, at 12 noon for continuation of the inquest.
Speaking to journalists after the session, Mr. TtPaul Eniekenemi Boatman, a representative of the Office of the Attorney-General of Bayelsa State, reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Douye Diri to ensuring justice is served.
He added that Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Biriyai Dambo, SAN, has assured the public that all individuals found culpable will be held accountable.
