Gulu: Suspect Dies in Police Custody

Gulu police are investigating circumstances surrounding the death of a suspect in police custody following his arrest on allegations of smoking marijuana.

Emmy Obal, 17, a resident of Tegwana Parish, Pece –Laroo Division in Gulu City allegedly succumbed to the injuries he sustained after jumping off a speeding police patrol vehicle that was transporting him and his colleagues to Gulu Central Police Station following their arrest.

David Mudong Ongom, the Aswa River Region Police Spokesperson, says that Obal was arrested on Thursday night from Tegwana Parish alongside three others after being found smoking marijuana.

He however, says that the deceased jumped off a police truck in an attempt to escaped and sustained serious injuries.

Ongom said that they have handed over the deceased’s body to Gulu Regional Referral Hospital Mortuary pending postmortem as investigations continue.

However, the deceased’s family has refuted the information by police. His grandmother, Santa Lamara, says that her grandson was assaulted by police officers conducting the patrol in the area.    

James Ojuka, the deceased uncle, says that they want justice for their slain son.