From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The death of a 35-year-old poultry worker, Tunji Jimoh, in police custody has triggered widespread outrage in the Erubu-Asunnara community of Ilorin South Local Government Area.
The community has called for a thorough investigation and justice for the deceased, whose family and supporters allege foul play.
Jimoh, a father of two, was arrested on Friday, December 20, 2024, over an alleged ₦220,000 debt owed to a colleague, Mr. Peter, whose brother is reportedly a police officer.
Reports indicate that he was detained at the Special Investigation Bureau (SIB), at the Kwara State Police Command headquarters, where he was denied bail. Tragically, the family was informed the following morning that Jimoh had died in custody.
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Family members and sources have alleged that Jimoh was tortured over the unresolved debt. The police, however, suggested he may have committed suicide, an explanation strongly contested by his family and the community, who argue that the cell’s structure makes such claims implausible.
The Kwara State Police Command, through its spokesperson, DSP Ejire Adeyemi Toun, confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday.
“The state police command is aware of an unfortunate incident that led to the tragic death of one Mr. Jimoh Abdulquadri, which occurred on December 20, 2024,” DSP Adeyemi stated, adding that a full investigation has commenced.
“No stone will be left unturned,” the police assured.
However, the Erubu-Asunnara community has expressed outrage in a press release signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Mujeeb, and Acting General Secretary, Comrade Hassan Erubu.
“It is heartbreaking that Tunji’s lifeless body was deposited at a mortuary without the family’s consent,” the statement read.
Describing Jimoh as a hardworking and generous individual, the community demanded justice from the Inspector General of Police, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and other stakeholders.
“Tunji’s death must not go unpunished. We demand justice for his family, our community, and humanity,” the statement concluded, urging public support with the hashtag #JusticeForTunji.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has directed the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID), to take over the case.
During a condolence visit to Ilorin on Sunday, December 22, the IGP met with Jimoh’s family at the Balogun Fulani’s residence, where he expressed his condolences.
“No stone will be left unturned in uncovering the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident,” the IGP assured, emphasising the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to justice and human rights.
The IGP also reiterated the police’s zero-tolerance policy for misconduct and called for calm as the FCID conducts an impartial investigation.
The incident has sparked condemnation from activists and community leaders, with many taking to social media to demand accountability and police reform.
As investigations continue, Jimoh’s family and the Erubu-Asunnara community insist on transparency, vowing not to relent in their demand for justice for the deceased father and community member.
