We don’t believe he took his own life — Family of 15-year-old Simon Obeng demands probe into mysterious death in police custody

Relatives of Simon Obeng, a 15-year-old boy who reportedly died by suicide in police custody at the Simpa Police Station in Tarkwa, are demanding a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, insisting there’s more to the story than the police are letting on.

Simon was arrested last Thursday on allegations of stealing gold from his employer. By Sunday morning, he was dead — allegedly by suicide — after being found hanged in his cell. But the family believes that narrative doesn’t add up.

“On Saturday, we went to the police station to bail our relation, but the officer in charge said it was too late and asked us to return the next day,” his brother told Empire News.

“He also told us Simon had been moved to another cell, so we couldn’t see him. We waited until Sunday, only to receive a call that he had committed suicide.

“But I don’t believe that. There were no signs suggesting he would take his own life. We suspect foul play and believe the officers know more than they’re saying.”

Simon’s mother also expressed deep doubts about the police account.

“What I find suspicious is that someone who was arrested with my son was granted bail, but my son wasn’t,” she said tearfully.

“I’m pleading with the government and the appropriate authorities to investigate this matter. I need to know what really happened to my son.”

Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service maintains that the family was promptly notified after Simon was found dead in his cell.

No official autopsy report has been made public yet.