The police investigating the murder of Cynthia Osokogu have been accused by the murder suspects of obtaining confessional statements under duress via aggravated torture.
One of the suspects, Okwunmo Nwabufo, 34, told the Lagos High Court in Igbosere that the police tortured him using pliers, tear gas and other crude devices.
Nwabufo and three other suspects are on trial for the callous murder of Cynthia Osokogu, a 25 year old lady who was killed at a hotel in FESTAC.
Nwabufo whilst being led in testimony by his counsel, Victor Okpara recounted his ordeal at the hands of the men in black.
He said: “On the day I was arrested, up to 20 policemen broke into my apartment and asked for my name after which they called me a murderer and started beating me.
“I was later blindfolded while I was wearing only pant and taken into their vehicle; then we drove to the police station.”
“When we got to the police station, l was taken to the Area Commander, Mr Dan Okoro, who showed me a lady’s picture and asked if I knew her.
“I said yes, she is my friend and he immediately called me a murderer and pinched the upper part of my left eye with pliers.”
“I was then taken to a room where I was chained and tortured to accept whatever they (the police) told us concerning the murder.”
He said the police brought out another suspect and shot him in the leg in order to apply more pressure.
“One of the policemen released tear gas into my left eye and I have not been able to see with it since then.”
He told the court that the torture led to his acceptance of the statement the police prepared for him. He said he had no choice other than to confess to the murder.
Justice Olabisi Akinlade adjourned the case till Jan. 13 2014, and Feb. 27 2014 for continuation of the trial.