A Lagos-based barber, identified as Babajide Adelowo, has died following allegations that he was tortured while spending 28 days in police custody over suspected possession of firearms.
Adelowo was reportedly arrested by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command’s X-Squad at his barbing shop in Iba Estate, Iyana-Iba, on October 6 and released on November 3 after his health allegedly deteriorated.
His family accused the police officers of subjecting him to severe torture during detention, alleging that he was repeatedly suspended from a weightlifting rod with his hands and legs tied.
According to his wife, Mariam, her husband told her that officers tied his limbs to the rod and suspended him for about 30 to 40 minutes on three separate occasions. He also allegedly suffered injuries after his hands were squeezed with an instrument.
The family further claimed that Adelowo was denied adequate access to his relatives and lawyers throughout his detention. They also alleged that officers seized his phone, generator, chairs and other belongings from his shop.
Speaking about his condition after his release, his wife said he was extremely weak, pale and unable to walk properly when police officers handed him over to the family at PWD bus stop in Lagos.
She said he was immediately taken for medical attention, where he reportedly received a blood transfusion. However, his condition worsened as he began vomiting blood and experiencing difficulty breathing.
A medical report dated November 5, 2026, indicated that Adelowo suffered severe anaemia resulting from gastrointestinal bleeding, complicated by haemorrhagic shock.
The report stated that he received one pint of blood but later developed convulsions and breathing complications. Medical personnel reportedly commenced cardiopulmonary resuscitation after his condition deteriorated, but efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.
Related News:
Elderly Passenger Dies After Falling From Moving Truck in Lagos
Barber Shot Dead by Gunmen Inside Lagos Salon
Lagos Man Dies After Girlfriend Ends Relationship
The bereaved wife, who disclosed that the couple had one child, described her late husband as a responsible family man and called on the authorities to ensure justice.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, Adekunle Taofeek, has called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to order an independent investigation into the arrest, detention, alleged torture and death of the barber.
The group also demanded an independent autopsy, the identification and prosecution of any officers found culpable, and an investigation into allegations of extortion, including claims that an estate chairman was made to pay ₦50,000 to secure his release.
It further urged the authorities to protect the deceased’s family and witnesses from intimidation and ensure that the family receives justice.
However, when contacted, the Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, denied that Adelowo was tortured in custody.
She stated that an official statement would be issued on the matter.
The circumstances surrounding Adelowo’s death have raised fresh concerns about police accountability, the treatment of suspects in detention and the need for an independent investigation into allegations of custodial abuse.
About the Author
