The deceased is said to have hanged himself in police cells
The family of a 15-year-old boy is demanding answers regarding the circumstances of his death while in police custody at Tarkwa.
According to media reports on June 14, 2025, the deceased, identified as Simon Obeng, allegedly took his own life while being held in police custody at the Tarkwa-Simpa Police Station in the Western Region.
He was allegedly arrested for stealing gold from his employer, a gold dealer, and was being held by the police for investigations into the case when the tragedy occurred.
Though the police have stated that the deceased took his own life, the bereaved family suspects foul play and believes there may be more to the circumstances surrounding his death.
Speaking to UTV, the deceased’s brother stated that he attempted to bail him out on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the location where he was being held.
However, he said he was unsuccessful, as the police informed him that it was too late and advised them to return the next day.
“I got to the police station at 6:15pm only for the police officer to tell me I can’t secure bail for him because it was late. All our pleas for him to allow us to see our brother’s face fell on deaf ears. He told us that our brother had been moved from one cell to another which was under lock and key and thus we couldn’t see him. I got a call at dawn the next day only to be informed that my brother had committed suicide,” brother of the deceased.
Also speaking on the issue, the mother of the late Simon Obeng shared suspicions of foul play in her son’s death.
She demanded answers regarding why the police reportedly stated that they had moved him from one cell to another, preventing his family from seeing him when they visited.
“I don’t understand how his death could have happened. There were two people in the cells, and one was removed. Moments after, my people went to the cells to try and bail out my son but were denied by the police who said they had moved him from where he was placed earlier to another cell. That is what I don’t understand,” mother of the deceased added.
The police have yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.
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