Death Of Detainee In Cell: Family Petitions Ondo CJ, Insists Death Caused By Torture

By Ayodele Oni

Family of Tolu Bobade, a Detainee who was, reportedly, tortured to death in a police cell in Ondo State has demanded for justice in the matter.

In a petition to the Chief Judge of Ondo State, The Honourable Justice Olusegun Odusola, signed by the deceased’s sister, Dupe Bobade, the family insisted that the deceased met his untimely death while in police cell at Ifon, in Ose Local Government Area.

But in a statement on Sunday, the spokesperson for Ondo State Police Command, Funmilayo Odunlami,  stated that “one Tobi Bobade , one of the young men involved in the fight was brought to the station by one Mr. Losilosi. He appeared weak and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention.

“He was later pronounced dead while receiving treatment. His remains have been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, for a postmortem examination.

His death resulted into the burning down of the Ifon Police Station by angry mob protesting his death.

The petition states “I write to you with a heart laden with grief and a fervent plea for justice on behalf of the Bobade family of Ifon, Ondo State.

“Our beloved son and brother, Master Tolu Bobade, aged 17, met an untimely and tragic death under circumstances that not only shock the conscience but also starkly contravene the laws of our nation.

“On the 14th of February, 2025, Tolu was arrested by officers of the Ifon Police Division under the directive of Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Isadare Funminiyi. During his detention, Tolu was subjected to severe torture, leading to his death on the 15th of February, 2024.

“In a grievous attempt to obscure their misconduct, the officers transported his lifeless body to Adelabu Hospital in Ifon, where it was rejected.

“Subsequently, they moved his remains to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Owo, where it was deposited in the morgue on their own without the knowledge of the family.

“The actions perpetrated by the Ifon Police Division are in direct violation of Nigeria’s legal statutes, which unequivocally prohibit torture and custodial abuse:

“In light of these egregious violations, we earnestly request  a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding Tolu’s arrest, detention, and death.

“That DPO Isadare Funminiyi and all officers involved be held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law in line with the provisions of the Anti-Torture Act and the ACJA.

“The Bobade family seeks solace in the assurance that justice will prevail, not only to honour the memory of Tolu but also to reinforce the rule of law and deter future violations.”