The lawyer representing Ekhousuehi Elvis, who is in police custody in connection with the death of his female friend, Priscilla Ocheme, has accused the police of subjecting his client to inhumane treatment. Priscilla reportedly died in a road accident on September 24, 2024, after leaving her family home in Karu following a disagreement with her widowed mother.
Federal Capital Territory Police Public Relations Officer Josephine Adeh, in an earlier statement on October 23, said preliminary investigations ruled out foul play and pointed to a traffic incident. Elvis, initially cleared by the FCT Homicide Department, was released after being exonerated. However, he was rearrested three weeks ago by the Special Investigation Unit (SIU).
According to Elvis’s lawyer, Tony Eseigbe, his client has since endured harsh detention conditions, including being forced to sleep on the cell floor, which allegedly caused him to develop pneumonia. Eseigbe stated, “The family has been taking food to him. Despite the findings of the FCT homicide department, which cleared him of any involvement in Priscilla’s death, the SIU took over the case without justification or a case file.”
Eseigbe insisted that Priscilla’s death occurred outside Elvis’s residence and that an autopsy confirmed her death was caused by a road traffic accident. He called on the police to either present new evidence against Elvis and charge him to court or release him immediately. “The girl didn’t die in the guy’s house. After thorough investigations, the FCT command’s homicide department concluded that there was no link between Elvis and Priscilla’s death, yet he has been detained for over a month,” Eseigbe said.
Responding to the allegations, Force Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi refuted claims of mistreatment, emphasizing the police’s commitment to a thorough and unbiased investigation. Adejobi explained that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, had ordered the SIU to take over the case to ensure clarity and sensitivity.
Adejobi said, “The Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its commitment to the thorough investigation of the recent tragic case involving the death of Priscilla Ocheme, a young woman who went missing after visiting her boyfriend, one Ekhousuehi Elvis, at his home in Goshen Estate, Pyakasa, FCT, on September 22, 2024.”
He added that Elvis, as the primary suspect, was invited to provide an account of the incident but instead filed a counter-petition at a police formation in Lagos. This led to the IGP’s directive for the SIU to handle the case to avoid duplication and ensure justice.
Adejobi denied allegations of mistreatment, stating, “Contrary to circulating rumours, Elvis and other suspects are not experiencing any form of mistreatment. The IGP has emphasized the importance of justice and thoroughness in this investigation, and the SIU is equipped to handle cases of this nature.”
The investigation continues as police work to uncover the full circumstances surrounding Priscilla’s death. Meanwhile, the legal team for Elvis continues to demand either his release or formal charges based on new evidence.
