The family of a 40-year-old man, Taofeek Azeez, has called for a thorough investigation into his death in police custody in Agbeye, Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State, questioning the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Azeez reportedly died a few hours after being handed over to the police by local vigilantes following an allegation that he stole cocoa seeds.
According to reports, the deceased was apprehended by members of the community on Wednesday and taken to the palace of the Alagbeye of Agbeye before being transferred to a police outpost for questioning and detention.
Speaking with journalists on Friday, Azeez’s brother, Fatai Alimi, appealed to the Osun State Commissioner of Police to investigate the incident and establish what led to his brother’s death.
Alimi alleged that Azeez was subjected to corporal punishment and stripped naked at the palace before being handed over to the police.
He said the family became aware of the arrest after learning that Azeez, who had left home for the farm on Tuesday morning, was being detained over the alleged theft.
The deceased’s brother expressed disbelief over the police account that Azeez had taken his own life while in custody, insisting that the circumstances required further investigation.
“It was surprising to hear that he had killed himself inside the cell; his death looks suspicious,” Alimi said.
He disclosed that Azeez was survived by six children from three wives and an aged mother, urging the police and Osun State Government to ensure that the matter was thoroughly investigated and justice served.
Confirming the incident, the Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said community members apprehended Azeez over the alleged theft before the monarch directed that he be handed over to the police.
According to the police spokesperson, Azeez was questioned and detained at the police outpost but was later found dead when an officer went to check on him a few hours after his detention.
“The deceased was apprehended by the community for allegedly stealing cocoa seeds. The monarch instructed the community members to transfer him to the police outpost, where he was questioned and detained.
“A few hours later, when the officer went to check on him in the cell, he had committed suicide,” Ojelabi stated.
The police spokesperson added that the officer responsible for the cell would be questioned as part of the investigation.
He further disclosed that the police had contacted the deceased’s family and were taking necessary steps to establish the circumstances surrounding the death, although preliminary findings pointed to suicide.
The incident has prompted the family to demand answers over the events leading to Azeez’s death while in custody.
