The alarming increase in reported cases of suspects dying in police custody is becoming a worrying trend in the country.

Families of these victims frequently protest the circumstances surrounding such deaths and demand answers and justice for their relatives. However, these efforts often do not yield results.

Three cases of suspects dying in police custody have been recorded in just the first eight months of 2024 alone, sparking public concerns about alleged police brutality.

Here is a breakdown of cases where suspects have died in police custody in 2024, put together by GhanaWeb.

Jerry Kpesenu

The 45-year-old landlord died while in police custody in June 2024.

Jerry Kpesenu was arrested for opposing his tenants’ attempts to install air conditioners in their rooms. An altercation ensued between him and his tenants, who subsequently filed a complaint at the police station.

Eyewitnesses reported that police personnel used excessive force during Jerry’s arrest. He was further intimidated, mistreated, and physically assaulted with electric cables.

The alleged assault continued even while he was in police custody, and he was later pronounced dead.

The police, however, have refuted claims of brutality. They stated that the deceased was rushed to the Keta Municipal Hospital after falling ill in his cell but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Simon Doeve

Simon Doeve was found hanging in police custody at the Akatsi Police Station in the Volta Region in February 2024.

He was arrested on murder charges and was going through committal at the District Court in Akatsi when he died.

A police brief indicated that Doeve was found dead in the washroom, hanging from a fan, during a visit by a non-commissioned officer.

Jagiri Mborilen

The 18-year-old died in police custody in Chamba, in the Nanumba North Municipality of the Northern Region following his detention by the police in June 2024.

According to the brother of the deceased, the police arrested Jagiri after he was accused of theft by a soothsayer and a woman.

The family further revealed that the police’s claims that Jagiri confessed and admitted to his crime were made under duress.

Jagiri was also found dead by hanging.

Concerns about police brutality have been raised over the years, with citizens calling for immediate action.

MAG/OGB