Retired DSP Allegedly Kills Three Over Land Dispute, Then Commits Suicide

A retired 63-year-old Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Charles Atideka, has reportedly taken his own life after allegedly killing three people over a land dispute in Lagos State. The Police Command confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, stating that Atideka shot and killed two family members and one other individual on Tuesday.

The victims—Richard Atideka and Mrs. Latevi Atideka from the Yovoyan community, and Muji Onilude from the neighboring Gberefu community—were reportedly killed by the ex-police officer and an accomplice, who remains unidentified. A survivor of the attack, David Atideka, recounted the horrifying incident, stating that it took place between 2:00 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. at the Atideka compound.

According to Lagos Police spokesperson SP Benjamin Hundeyin, Charles Atideka allegedly ingested a poisonous substance after the killings and was rushed to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead. His body, along with those of the victims, has been deposited in the morgue.

However, a different account of the events was provided by Henry Atideka, Charles’s son, who disputed the suicide claim. He explained that his father had been invited by the police for questioning as the prime suspect in the killings. Henry said his father collapsed and was admitted to the General Hospital in Badagry, where he later died.

Henry described how his father had been in communication with him before he left for the police station, but later received a call informing him that his father had been hospitalized after collapsing. When his brother arrived at the hospital, he found three policemen guarding their father, who was being treated in the intensive care unit. Hours later, when his brother returned, Charles Atideka was no longer in the ICU, and a nurse informed them that he had died.

Henry then reached out to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), who claimed to have no knowledge of the situation. After further inquiries, Henry was allowed to see his father’s body. He believes that the stress of the accusations against his father caused a rise in his blood pressure, ultimately leading to his death.

Dr. Olatunde Bakare, the Medical Director of General Hospital Badagry, confirmed that Charles Atideka had been brought to the hospital in the afternoon and passed away a few hours later. The cause of death remains unclear, as no tests have been conducted to determine whether it was a result of suicide or a medical issue such as high blood pressure.

Henry Atideka has called for a thorough investigation into his father’s death, insisting that the true culprit behind the killings should be found so his father’s reputation can be cleared.