12 Months After, Bayelsa Coroner’s Inquest Unravels Man’s Death in Police Custody

Court Links Heaven Idaya Eric’s Death to Multiple Traumatic Injuries, Orders Release of Remains

A Coroner’s inquest in Bayelsa State has reportedly ruled that Mr Heaven Idaya Eric, a native of Agbura community in Yenagoa Local Government Area, died from multiple traumatic injuries sustained while in police custody.

The ruling, delivered by the Chief Coroner, His Honour F. Obiri, in suit No. CRM/02/2026, followed an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Eric’s death about 12 months ago.

According to the report, findings from a post-mortem examination conducted by pathologists established that Eric suffered severe traumatic injuries which resulted in haemorrhagic shock.

The Coroner reportedly rejected the allegation that the deceased died as a result of drug intake or addiction, instead linking his death to injuries sustained after his arrest and during his detention.

How the Incident Happened

According to accounts presented during the inquest, officers of the police unit then known as Operation Puff Adder, now reportedly renamed the Violent Crime Unit, allegedly entered Eric’s residence in Agbura at about 2:00 a.m. on April 4, 2025, and arrested him over an alleged stolen bicycle.

Family members alleged that Eric was subjected to severe physical abuse following his arrest and later at the police station.

They further alleged that he became unconscious after the reported assault and was taken to several hospitals before being transported to Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH), Okolobiri, where he was reportedly confirmed dead on arrival.

The family also alleged that the police did not immediately inform them of his death.

Coroner Orders Release of Remains

In the ruling, the Coroner reportedly recommended that all documents and autopsy records relating to Eric’s detention and death be properly preserved.

The Coroner also recommended that the police and relevant authorities introduce measures to prevent similar incidents in custody.

The court further ordered the police to work with the Ministry of Justice and the deceased’s family to release his remains for proper burial.

Agbura Monarch Demands Further Justice

Reacting to the ruling, the paramount ruler of Agbura, HRH E.N. Daufa (Ikile VIII), commended the Coroner for what he described as an impartial judgment.

The traditional ruler noted that Agbura residents had maintained a peaceful and cordial relationship with the police over the years, expressing regret over the alleged conduct of the officers involved.

He said the community would continue to pursue justice beyond the Coroner’s ruling.

> “The Coroner Court has given ruling on its findings, but we’ll go to the court of competent jurisdiction to seek further redress.”

The monarch also called for an end to unlawful arrests and detention practices that could result in the loss of lives.

The case has now shifted from the Coroner’s findings to the question of further legal redress, accountability and possible responsibility for Eric’s death.