Kwara family accuses police of torturing son to death in custody

The death of 35-year-old Jimoh AbdulQodir Tunji while in the custody of the Kwara State Police Command on Friday, has left his family and loved ones in shock.

This incident becomes even more horrifying as the family of the 35-year-old farmer has accused officers of the police command of torturing him to death over an alleged debt of N220,000.

Although the state police command announced on Sunday that it had launched an investigation into Tunji’s death, this marks the third instance where policemen have been implicated in the death of suspects in less than five months in Kwara alone.

The deceased, reportedly a poultry farmer, was allegedly arrested by the police on Friday, following a petition filed by his employer regarding an unpaid debt.

A short video, lasting less than three minutes, showing the deceased’s mother and other relatives accusing policemen in the state of torturing him to death after he was allegedly summoned to the state headquarters over a N220,000 debt.

In the viral video, the grieving mother tearfully lamented, “My son did not kill anyone. He only owed someone. They have killed my son. Please, come to my aid. The police at the headquarters have killed my son. Kadri was his name.

“He was a good boy in the community. He only owed some money. They beat him to death in police custody. They didn’t allow us to see him. Blood was gushing out of his nose.”

Shortly after the distressing video surfaced online, the spokesperson for the state police command, Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, addressed the incident in a statement shared on her social media handle on Sunday.

She stated that the deceased had been invited by the police over allegations of obtaining money under “false pretence” and added that an investigation to determine the cause of his death was already underway.

“The Kwara State Police Command is aware of an unfortunate incident that led to the tragic loss of one Mr Jimoh Abdulquadri, which occurred on December 20, 2024.

“The deceased was invited on an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretence to the sum of N220,000.

“Discrete investigations into this incident have commenced to ascertain the cause. Further developments on the outcome will be communicated as it progresses, as no stone will be left unturned,” said the state police spokesperson.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has instructed the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) to promptly take over the investigation into the tragic death of Abdulquadri.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated that the IGP gave the directives during a meeting with the bereaved family on Sunday.

He said, “In a show of commitment to justice and accountability, the IGP visited Kwara State today Sunday 22nd December 2024, where he met with the bereaved family of the deceased. The IGP was received by the Balogun Fulani of Ilorin, Alhaji Sadiq Atiku Fulani, who spoke on behalf of the family.

“During the meeting, the IGP expressed his profound condolences and assured the family that no stone would be left unturned in uncovering the circumstances that led to the tragic incident.

“The IGP has ordered the FCID to handle the case with utmost diligence and ensure a conclusive and impartial investigation. He further reassured the family and the general public that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to upholding the highest standards of accountability, professionalism, and respect for human rights.

This incident marks the latest case of alleged police killings in Kwara State. Just a few months ago, the police in the state were implicated in the death of at least two individuals.

Three police officers were implicated in the death of 27-year-old Suleiman Olayinka, an asthmatic patient, who was allegedly killed at the Tanke Bridge in Ilorin.

According to the police, the officers involved were arrested and subsequently dismissed.

The spokesperson for the command had said, “The Kwara State Police Command is aware of this unfortunate incident, which led to the sudden death of Suleiman Olayinka (M), 27 years old.

“A complaint of cheating and criminal breach of trust was reported against the deceased. Police detectives were immediately assigned to investigate the case. Meanwhile, the officers involved in the incident have been identified, arrested, and detained for further investigation regarding the death of the suspect.”

“Further updates will be provided promptly as investigations unfold.”

Similarly, in September 2024, police officers were allegedly involved in the fatal shooting of a Kwara State Polytechnic student, identified as Ishola Abdulqoyum, along Panat Road, which connects Sango and Shop Rite in the state.