How Nigerian student died in police custody in the US | Welcome to Linda Ikeji's Blog

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Thursday 8 January 2015

How Nigerian student died in police custody in the US

22yr old Nigerian college student Matthew Ajibade, (pictured) died in police custody and his family wants to know more about what led to his jail death.

CNN reports...
Matthew died in an isolation cell, after he "became combative during the booking process," according to a release from the Chatham County Sheriff's Office in Savannah, Georgia. During the altercation, officials say, three deputies were injured, including a female sergeant who suffered a concussion and broken nose.
That doesn't square with family members' description of the 22-year-old, whom they described as a much-loved "geeky kid."The Nigeria native was in Savannah studying computer science.
Ajibade's family has hired Mark O'Mara, a CNN legal analyst who once represented George Zimmerman in the death of Florida teen Trayvon Martin. The attorney hopes to see "discourse of all available information as soon as possible," he told CNN on Tuesday.
Ajibade was diagnosed with bipolar disorder three years ago and was having a medical emergency at the time of his arrest and confinement, O'Mara said.
Savannah police arrested Ajibade on January 1 after receiving a call about a domestic disturbance.
When police arrived, they witnessed Ajibade holding a woman under a blanket, according to an incident report. Police uncovered the two and noticed that the woman's "face was bruised, and her nose was bleeding," the report says.
Officers ordered Ajibade to release the woman, but he did not comply, the report says, adding that when police tried to arrest Ajibade he proceeded to "resist apprehension in a violent manner."
He was accused of domestic violence act, battery and obstruction of an officer. "The sergeant is still on medical leave. The other two remain on duty status," said Chief Deputy Roy Harris.
A woman who he identified as his girlfriend tried to inform police of his mental health issues, O'Mara said.
"She also gave police a bottle of his medication," the attorney told CNN.
The police report notes that officers received a prescription bottle from the alleged victim, but the name of the prescription has been redacted.
Once at the jail, officials say, Ajibade had to be restrained, during which he injured the three officers. He was then moved to an isolation cell due to his "dangerous behavior," a police news release says.
Deputies conducted welfare checks on Ajibade and on their second check he was found nonresponsive, police say. First aid was administered by the jail's medical unit staff. Despite CPR and attempts to restart his heart with a defibrillator, Ajibade could not be revived, according to the release.
It's unclear how much of the event, if any, was captured on the jail's surveillance system, or whether officers conducted a mental health evaluation before Ajibade's death.
County officials declined CNN requests for an interview, citing the ongoing investigation. The sheriff's office has requested that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation conduct an independent investigation. A GBI spokesperson said an autopsy had been conducted, but that a cause of death was pending toxicology reports.
The Chatham County District Attorney's office said a criminal investigation is ongoing and the office will "handle the matter further, should it become necessary."

118 comments:

Amerie's blog said...

May his soul rest in peace

Unknown said...

Well it wouldn't be out of place to say he caused his Death though.. Rest Brov..
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.Disclaimer:: Raise Your Words, Not Your Voice. It Is Rain That Grows Flowers, Not Thunder..

Unknown said...

Oh my God may his handsome humble soul rest in peace and may God give the family and love ones the beatitude to endure this great lost.

Unknown said...

Oh my God may his handsome humble soul rest in peace and may God give the family and love ones the beatitude to endure this great lost.

Anonymous said...

I know our country ain't that conducive, but can we fucken stay at home. Let's not get Nigeria involved in this U.S police - blacks row abeg!
The Russian

ary said...

Black people will always behave the same way and then claim violence!

Unknown said...

RiP

Unknown said...

MR EDDY said.
Sad news. RIP MR
^
^
^™THAT EDO BOY.COM~wishes u new year.

Unknown said...

Omg, this is sad.

PRETTY GIRL said...

Very Sad...I pray they at least find justice .RIP Mathew

Anonymous said...

It's so sad! I actually know this kid, and his girlfriend!!!

I hope heads roll for what happened to this young man! His girlfriend called 911 for medical help for him stating he has bipolar disorder and needed to be escorted to the hospital and the police officers take him to jail instead where he dies!!!

This country is so shady!!!!

knowurway.com said...

Hmmm white police kill one black again! Poor boy. Matthew may ur soul rest in peace amen

Juleslouis said...

Oh my. Maybe d disorder killed him. RIP

Unknown said...

Eiyaah. RIP.

gossip girl said...

Nigeria parent and dia senseless brain,why on earth will u leave a sick child all alone in another man's land?now see the end result!

khemorah said...

Akuko.

Unknown said...

Mat his soul rest in peace ...it might as well be true wat was said in the statement released or not...

joystickextender@gmail.com said...

These is serious may his soul rip

meanwhile email me to knw how you can enlarge your joystick

Unknown said...

Not again. Rest in peace.

Anonymous said...

Ur kids go around acting a daammmn fool but when things happen to them,u talk about how good of a kid he was. If what the police is saying he did is true, then oh well....we just have to wait for the autopsy report,don't cast judgement against the police.

Honey

Anonymous said...

Smh. A black man can do no right in these situations.

Anonymous said...

HE WAS MURDERED BY RACIST AMERICAN COPS, AND NOW THEY HAVE SMEARED HIM SO THAT THEY CAN COVERUP THEIR RACIST CRIMES.

TOO MUCH RACISM IN AMERICA.

THESE PEOPLE ARE EVIL.

Anonymous said...

Oh this is really sad!

Unknown said...

a.k.a EDWIN CHINEDU AZUBUKO said...
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Bomboy dey form james bond.... RIP man.
*GLO BRING 3G TO KONTAGORA*
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***CURRENTLY IN JUPITER***

Unknown said...

Sad news...and the kid deserve justice.
¤
¤¤¤GUTS OVER FEAR¤¤¤
¤
¤¤¤QUEENMAYA¤¤¤

LA' SUNSHINE said...

Hmm may his soul rest in perfect peace

Unknown said...

That's how helpless we can be

Anonymous said...

RIP bro

Unknown said...

Very shady circumstances surrounding his death

Anonymous said...

Pls educate urself more. FTom now onwards, every week, pick up a book and read. Endeavour to finish it. Also keep a dictionary near u always

Unknown said...

Strangely wen dey school at home wit us...u neva hear of any tripolar or bipolar disorder...but der...oyibo go form sickness dash dem...may his soul RIP!!

AGB said...

Rest in best compatriot.

Bissy said...

Stay @ home do what? , didn't read that he's suffering from bipolar disorder do we have the facility to treat his illness in Nigeria.

Unknown said...

No place is safe in dis world.RIP

Anonymous said...

Shut up....

Unknown said...

Sad, RIP Broda. Linda take note!

Unknown said...

There is spiritual angle to dis dat happened.

This was an attack on d soul of dis young man. Wht befall him was strictly spiritual.

Mind u "we wrestle not against flesh and blood..."

Dis is d reason we need to b vigilant spiritually 4d guidance and safe guard of our souls in Chrust Jesus.

Unknown said...

Sad...Lets hope they investigate fully into the matter.




Lhasa apso puppies ready for a new home

cutelhasapups@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Racism has done a lot to humanity. gone too soon. RIP




#Commenting thru Glo 4G LTE

Gochi said...

So sad. The Matt I knew and the Matt I'm hearing if in the news report are in contradiction. The whole thing just doesn't make sense. I pray the truth is revealed soon and pray for the strength and persistence of his family in this matter. RIP Matty

Unknown said...

Very sad one. May his soul rest in peace

Unknown said...

RIP bro..such is life



......JOSHSAYSO...LIB...FAN

Anonymous said...

Lol I swear some people can be do foolish.about the disorder killed him. Mumu

londonboyer said...

we make things like dis apun to us...we already knw dah we re nt "very" loved by d whites so y violate their rules in d first place?
hes accusef of bruising a lady nd battering a police office...can a good boy do such?
lets be sincere sm tyms
RIP tho!

londonboyer said...

he knws his state of health, yet hes stubborn...he has a part in his death tho!

NaijaDeltaBabe said...

Chai! Dis handsome boy. RIP dear

Atlstyle said...

I agree oh, may God BETTER NIGERIA FOR US SO We CAN RETURN home. No place like home I beg.

Chop Chop said...

It's good to send ur children to England or American to further their education but at the same time appoint them a guidance to check on their welfare on a regular basis. R I P

Anonymous said...

This I agree, that boy should not hv been away in college by himself.

Anonymous said...

I personally knew Matt. He was a
a genuine soul. Always peaceful and kindhearted. Known for his bright smile. He was a hugger. A person to spread love. Yes he may have been acting out due to his condition (that was overlooked), his girlfriend called to get him help not for for her to get help. The police arrested my friend. He was never treated as they said they were going to do. They killed my friend! He was found dead in a restraining chair! Matt was not acting a fool. He needed medical help!

If you don't know what really happened please don't comment an opinion without facts!

Everything Rosham said...

Y him parent leave him dere wen they no he is sick.. Anyways, R.I.P young man

Amaka.u.l said...

Rip.

Unknown said...

Hahahahaha @Anonymous 12:24 AM, #funny comment.

@MEETD®EALEVANS™ said...

Hard Drug probably made him av bipolar disorder... Know so many

Unknown said...

Too bad! Hope the family gets a clearer explanation that they seek for. RIP

Anonymous said...

I don't believe this, they are hiding something. TELL US THE TRUTH what caused his death.

Unknown said...

a pity the young man passed on...an investigation will give us a clearer picture of what went down.

AbokiDaWarriBoy said...

Awwww,may his soul RIP

Unknown said...

It's so sad, RIP

Anonymous said...

May his soul rest in peace

Princess G said...

Rip to the dead.

Unknown said...

So sad
Rip
This report looks like a cover up
since they know he has bipolar when the police came nd saw he was violent they should have called for an ambulance first, then after he is stable then they will arrest him

Ochuko Arhiakpore said...

R I P Matthew

Anonymous said...

Lmaoooo!!!

gbemsco said...

Very shady matter. ..Rip

Unknown said...

Hmmmm
May his Soul rest in peace

Unknown said...

They should investigate properly RIP

Omaa said...

Ate you daft? Did you miss the part about where he was diagnosed with bipolar or the part about where the alleged victim tried to inform them of that?

Miriam David said...

He was bipolar, how on earth did he cause his own death? Bipolar ppl tend to get violent when they are having an attack. He didn't make himself bipolar so he didn't cause his own death. If the officials had conducted a mental evaluation, they would have known that but because he is black, they concluded he was purposely being violent. This is really sad and unfortunate that specks of racism still exist whether we realize it or not. I can't help but ask what the Nigerian government will do about this because Justice must prevail whether he was bipolar or not,how did he die in isolation? He possibly couldn't have killed himself. So What Happened???

Abdulmalik Yusuf said...

Are u dumb or just incredibly stupid? Look up the meaning of Bipolar disorder in d dictionary.... the dude is said to be sick....


Abdulmalik said so via Motorola T191

Abdulmalik Yusuf said...

True talk, d parents are at fault...


Abdulmalik said so via Motorola T191

Jeni_zee said...

His girlfriend is funny,he takes medications,he is bipolar nd u r still dating him, is it love or stupidity? Rip to d young man

Unknown said...

That's sad..u hope the truth comes out cos this story no pure..R.I.P

Dutch said...

Amen, this is serious

Anonymous said...

I disagree, do you know the meaning being mentally ill?

Unknown said...

RIP so pity

Unknown said...

Ary, try to understand with bipolar mean. Okay! And stop insulting Black People

Unknown said...

Why didn't you help him to the hospital since you claimed to know him.

The police intervention in any case never go as desired.

Unknown said...

There's 2 quarter of sense in this. You don't have to insult our parents dear.


»Jealous SDKer«

chi_ special said...

May his soul RIP

Unknown said...

RIP

Jenny Cherish said...

They shud investigate dis case thoroughly n bring justice to d deceased n his family,RIP poor soul

Unknown said...

Can u imagine

Unknown said...

Y would u leave ut child in another man's land wen u know his health status

Unknown said...

RIP to him

#ABBYTOHXOFT

Unknown said...

Some parents just want to boldly say HOO MY SON OR GIRL IS IN D U.S STUDYIN O.Some parents dont even borda checkin up on their children.America is not made of gold u can study and be d best anywhere.God purnish any racist Oyibo wey go won do anyhow wit me.Sebi I soon visit una.See as they turn dis guy to a lab rat now.....mcheew.

Anonymous said...

OMG! Due to his mental state a lot of things might have conspired. Anyway RIP lil boy!



*Tspark*

Anonymous said...

RIP

Malaysiame said...

Rip poor guy.... the dead can not speak, what ever happened God is watching.

KC said...

So sad.... Lord let dem no cover up dis case

gite said...

come back to nigeria and stop this abroad based attitude of urs. he was violent about his behavior where else would he have been kept? abegi make una leave matter jare. and let the dead rest.

gite said...

come back to nigeria and stop this abroad based attitude of urs. he was violent about his behavior where else would he have been kept? abegi make una leave matter jare. and let the dead rest.

gite said...

come back to nigeria and stop this abroad based attitude of urs. he was violent about his behavior where else would he have been kept? abegi make una leave matter jare. and let the dead rest.

dharmmy said...

So Nigerians have started having oyimbo 's pple disease.

Anonymous said...

Thank you. It's honestly embarrassing how ignorant our young nigerians are about a lot of things. I don't know what happened to reading culture.

Unknown said...

Rest in peace

Unknown said...

Short of words. I will reserve my comment for the latter. Lets see the aftermath of the autopsy report. May God grant the family the fortitude to bear their lost.

Unknown said...

I hope Obama is aware im wey sabi good governance. Hypocrites that are angry because Jonathan refused to blend. God will disgrace all of them that trouble Nigeria.

candylips said...

He had a mental disorder can't you read?

ebonyz... said...

RIP

ebonyz... said...

RIP

Anonymous said...

rest on bro.....God will purnish all of them

missvee

Kulikuli said...

Why are u blaming the dead boy just from what the police said? He is not here to state his case bikonu. Remember, it could be anybody tomorrow. All you need in the US right now is a black skin and a cop who hates that colour; and you are sunk. You can't win. It is a daily fare these days. Meanwhile, the world waits for a leader whose word will resonate on issues like this, at this time. God please touch us again, to become human again.

AMAKA said...

MAY HIS GENTLE SOUL REST IN PEACE,WHAT A WORLD....................


Anonymous said...

Babe, don't u know that he takes medication that keeps his medication in check

2ndeslash said...

another black has been killed by the white securities...this time its our own.lots of racism going on

El Haj said...

What is d Nigerian govt going to about this? Nigerian citizens shld not be murdered at will by any body any where in d world.

Unknown said...

What is it with Nigerians dying abroad??? If not the US, it would be the UK

JOYCHY said...

Dis statement by d police just points 2d fact dat dey are totally exonerating demselves 4rm d situation at end. Unfortunately D guy isn't alive 2 tell d story but dat girl gf of his has a part 2 play here.

she needs 2 do some taking!!!
RIP Boy....

JOYCHY said...

Dis statement by d police just points 2d fact dat dey are totally exonerating demselves 4rm d situation at end. Unfortunately D guy isn't alive 2 tell d story but dat girl gf of his has a part 2 play here.

she needs 2 do some taking!!!
RIP Boy....

Subomi said...

Death is still a price too high to pay for all that. Very sad. RIP

Leonard Folarin (100L Mass Communication, Caleb University,Lagos) said...

The police report states that officers received a prescription bottle from the alleged victim And a woman who identified herself as his girlfriend called 911 informing the police about his mental health issue but instead of reasoning and taking him to the hospital or somewhere els for treatment,he was taken to jail. The dead has no defense at this point. The police drops a statement and everyone believes.. most people believe. The story is so unclear. Matthew Ajibade suffered from bipolar disorder and i hope they realize that what ever action they might have witnessed in the process of his arrest might have been unconscious or due to his mental status. "Racism" is a powerful term and most people consider it a theme in this story. A closer look should be taken and justice be served ... And if what the police said he did is true, then i can as well say he caused his death for himself.. Rest In Peace Matth!!

LeeBerty said...

Mattblack was a good kid though. Himself and his gf were such a lovely couple to behold.. Sad that this had to happen to him. May his soul rip

Anonymous said...

to all my woman beaters....una see as karma take dey mess una up!?....mental illness my @ss...bipolar kor....tri polar nee..lol

Unknown said...

Dear Anonymous January 9, 2015 at 4:35 AM that knows Matthew Ajibade, please inbox me peterokeugo@yahoo.co.uk
Thanks.

Anonymous said...

First of all @JennyZee, people with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder are humans too and allowed to have regular life experiences including having a relationship.
@dharmmy Bipolar disorder is not an "Oyimbo" disease... take a walk to any mental health hospital in Lagos and educate yourself.

Anonymous said...

@. Royal priesthood ur head is thr.

Anonymous said...

You mean 'fortitude' to bear the loss.

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