The family of a Lagos-based barber, Babajide Adelowo, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, demanding an independent investigation into his death following allegations of torture in police custody.
Adelowo reportedly died on November 4, barely 24 hours after his release from detention, where he allegedly spent 28 days.
He was arrested at his barbing shop in Iba Estate, Iyana Iba, Lagos, on October 6 over alleged possession of firearms.
Through their solicitors, VC Dadi & Co., the family accused operatives of the Lagos State Police Command’s X-Squad, allegedly led by an officer identified as Jamaica, of subjecting him to severe physical torture during interrogation.
They alleged that the barber was repeatedly suspended from a weightlifting rod with his hands and legs tied, leaving him unable to walk or perform basic activities without assistance.
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According to the family, Adelowo was released on November 3 in a severely weakened condition and handed over to relatives at PWD Bus Stop, Ikeja, with instructions to take him to a hospital.
A medical report reportedly showed that he suffered severe anaemia caused by gastrointestinal bleeding, complicated by haemorrhagic shock. He later died following unsuccessful resuscitation efforts.
In a petition dated November 5, the family called for an independent post-mortem examination, the preservation of relevant evidence and a thorough investigation into the officers involved in his arrest, interrogation and detention.
They insisted that even if the allegations against Adelowo were genuine, they could not justify torture or any form of inhuman treatment.
The family also demanded the prosecution and disciplinary sanction of any officer found culpable.
Meanwhile, Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed that investigation into the incident was still ongoing.
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