The Kwara State Police Command has come under scrutiny following allegations by the family of a deceased man, Jimoh AbdulQodir Tunji, that he was tortured to death by police officers over a ₦220,000 debt.
It was gathered that Tunji was arrested on Friday, December 20, 2024, by officers, including the brother of the creditor, after a complaint was filed over the unpaid debt.
Efforts by his family to secure his release were unsuccessful, as he was denied bail and detained overnight.
A member of the family who doesn’t want his name in prints told newsmen that they received a call at about 2:00 am on Saturday, informing them that Tunji had allegedly hanged himself in police custody.
However, the family have rejected the police’s claim of suicide, pointing to visible injuries on his face as evidence of alleged torture.
The family called for justice, urging the Kwara State Government and the Inspector-General of Police to intervene.
Meanwhile In a statement on Sunday confirming the incident, the Kwara State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, described the matter as unfortunate, revealing that an investigation is underway.
The statement noted that Tunji was invited over an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretense amounting to ₦220,000.
The police assured the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted, with updates provided as the probe progresses.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with calls from civil society organizations and individuals for accountability and justice.
