MYSTERY SURROUNDS THE DEATH OF INSPECTOR YUSUF SULEIMAN BLESSING: CONFLICTING REPORTS RAISE QUESTIONS

MYSTERY SURROUNDS THE DEATH OF INSPECTOR YUSUF SULEIMAN BLESSING: CONFLICTING REPORTS RAISE QUESTIONS

The death of Inspector Yusuf Suleiman Blessing, also known as BS Omo Alhaja, has sparked controversy, with conflicting reports from the police, the public, and his family. What initially appeared to be a tragic drowning has evolved into a case shrouded in mystery, with allegations of foul play, an abandoned corpse, and demands for justice.

THE DISAPPEARANCE AND DISCOVERY OF HIS BODY

Inspector Yusuf Suleiman Blessing, a nearly 50-year-old officer from Ikoro-Ekiti, Ekiti State, was serving at Akotogbo Police Division in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State before his sudden and mysterious death.

According to the Ondo State Police Command, on January 27, 2025, the officer was last seen at the police station wearing a blue vest and green track suit trousers. His sudden absence led to a search party being dispatched. Two days later, on January 29, the Officer in Charge of the Police Marine Unit informed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) that a corpse had been found floating face-down in a nearby river.

Upon closer inspection, the body was confirmed to be that of Inspector Yusuf. The police claim that his clothes were intact, and the only visible injury was a swollen area on his head, ruling out any immediate signs of violence or arson. His body was transported to Irele General Hospital morgue, and his family was informed.

FAMILY’S ALLEGATIONS: BURNT BODY AND A CRACKED SKULL

While the police maintained that no foul play was involved, the family of the late officer strongly disagreed. They alleged that upon receiving his corpse for burial, they discovered it was burnt with a cracked skull, contradicting the police’s narrative.

The situation took a dramatic turn when officers who accompanied the corpse to Akure allegedly fled the scene, abandoning both the body and the police vehicle when the family insisted on seeing the remains before burial. This unusual behavior fueled suspicions that there was more to the case than the police were admitting.

POLICE RESPONSE AND INVESTIGATION

In response to public outcry and the family’s allegations, Commissioner of Police Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi ordered a full investigation. Initially, the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) classified the case as “Sudden and Unnatural Death”, with no foul play suspected.

However, the family’s refusal to accept this conclusion, coupled with the growing concern from the public, led the CP to order an autopsy to determine the actual cause of death. The police also stated that they bore the financial cost of retrieving the body from the morgue and transporting it to Akure for burial, further emphasizing their stance that there was no cover-up.

The police statement released on February 7, 2025, dismissed claims of burns on the body, stating:

"It is worthy of note that the cloth last seen on the deceased was found intact on his body when his corpse was discovered, ruling out any suspicion of arson, as there was no mark of burns or physical violence on his body."

CONFLICTING VERSIONS: DROWNING OR MURDER?

The case presents two opposing narratives:

1. The Police Version

   • Yusuf was last seen on January 27.
   • His body was found in a river on January 29 with clothes intact.
   • The only visible injury was a swollen head, ruling out foul play.
   • The family rejected an autopsy, but the police have now ordered one.
   • No signs of burns or physical violence were found on the body.

2. The Family’s Allegations

   • Yusuf’s body was burnt with a cracked skull, not drowned.
   • Police officers who brought the body fled the scene when the family demanded to see it.
   • The discovery of sand on the corpse raised more questions.
   • They suspect foul play and possible murder, demanding justice.

NEXT STEPS: AWAITING THE AUTOPSY REPORT

The autopsy ordered by the Commissioner of Police is expected to provide a definitive answer regarding the cause of death. If the autopsy confirms drowning, it will support the police’s claim that his death was an accident. However, if it reveals burns, skull fractures, or other injuries, it could validate the family's suspicions and point to possible foul play.

The case of Inspector Yusuf Suleiman Blessing remains open, with many Nigerians watching closely. The outcome of the investigation and autopsy report will determine whether his death was a tragic accident—or a cover-up hiding a darker truth.