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THE family of a black man who died after being tasered by police while experiencing a mental health crisis demanded accountability and justice today ahead of an inquest into his death.
Oladeji Omishore was tasered by police officers on Chelsea Bridge in London before he fell into the River Thames in June 2022.
The 41-year-old was experiencing a mental health crisis at the time. He was later pulled from the water but died in hospital the same day.
A bystander filmed Mr Omishore, also known as Deji, being tasered in footage shared widely on social media.
It was only after seeing the video that the family found out about his contact with police and the use of the taser, which they learnt while he lay dying in hospital.
The Metropolitan Police initially released a statement claiming that Mr Omishore was armed with a screwdriver.
Two weeks later, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) issued a correction, admitting that he had been carrying a plastic and metal fire lighter, which he used to light his cigarettes.
Speaking ahead of the inquest opening, Mr Oladeji’s family said: “The pain is indescribable, and the haunting memory of the moments leading up to his death is one we cannot erase.
“As a family, we have sought justice, knowing that while we cannot bring him back, we can honour his memory by demanding accountability and justice.
“At times, the weight of this battle has been overwhelming, but we refuse to let his story be forgotten.
“We hope that Oladeji’s story will shine a light on critical policing issues. No others must ever endure this pain.”
Stand up to Racism co-convener Sabby Dhalu said: “We hope the inquest will be a step towards justice for Oladeji Omishore and his family.
“This is by no means the first case of unjust police brutality towards a black person with mental health problems.
“We need to see action against eradicating institutional racism but sadly there is resistance to this in the police force.”
The inquest will open on Monday, March 3, and is expected to last three weeks.
