Osun: Family Questions Police Suicide Claim After Man Dies in Cell

Osun: Family Questions Police Suicide Claim After Man Dies in Cell
The family of a 40-year-old man, Taofeek Azeez, has demanded a thorough investigation into his death in police custody in Agbeye, Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State, questioning the police account that he died by suicide.

Azeez reportedly died hours after being detained over an allegation of stealing cocoa seeds. His death has raised concerns about the circumstances of his arrest, his treatment before being handed over to the police and the events inside the detention cell.
According to reports, local vigilantes apprehended Azeez over the alleged theft and took him to the palace of the Alagbeye of Agbeye before he was handed over to the police at the community’s police outpost.

A video reportedly seen by the newspaper showed Azeez being subjected to corporal punishment and paraded half-naked while being taken to the palace.

His brother, Fatai Alimi, expressed disbelief over reports that Azeez had taken his own life in detention, describing the circumstances of his death as suspicious and calling on the Osun State Commissioner of Police and the state government to intervene.

Alimi alleged that Azeez had been beaten and stripped before he was handed over to the police. He also questioned the circumstances in which his brother was reportedly found hanging in the cell.
” It was surprising to hear that he had killed himself inside the cell; his death looks suspicious,” Alimi said, urging the authorities to establish what happened and ensure justice for the family.

Azeez was a father of six children, had three wives and left behind an aged mother, according to his brother.

Confirming the incident, the Osun State Police Command said Azeez had been arrested by community members over the alleged theft of cocoa seeds and subsequently handed over to the police.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the suspect was questioned and detained at the Agbeye police outpost. An officer later discovered him dead while checking the cell.
Ojelabi said preliminary findings indicated that Azeez had died by suicide while in custody. He added that the officer in charge of the outpost would be questioned as part of the investigation.

The police spokesperson also said the command was unaware of reports that Azeez had been humiliated or paraded around the community before his transfer to the police.
The family’s account and the police explanation have left questions about the events preceding Azeez’s death, including the alleged treatment he received before detention and the supervision of the cell. These matters require independent verification through a thorough investigation.

No arrest had been announced in connection with the death in the earlier police account, although the officer in charge was to be questioned. The police said the family had been contacted to discuss arrangements concerning the deceased.

The case has renewed calls for accountability when suspects die in custody. Azeez had been accused of stealing cocoa seeds, but the allegation had not been established in court before his death.
The family is seeking answers about how he died and wants the authorities to determine whether any person or officer should be held responsible. The outcome of the investigation will be crucial in establishing the circumstances of his death.