The family of Tolu Bobade, a young boy who reportedly died in the custody of the Divisional Police Station at Ifon, in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, has demanded justice over the death of their son.
Mr Bobade, 17, was allegedly tortured to death by police over the weekend. The incident led to the burning of the Divisional Police Station in the town by enraged youths who stormed the facility and chased the officers on duty away.
The police had claimed that a dispute between two family members in the town led to the burning of the station.
During a visit to the town on Sunday to ascertain the level of destruction on the police facility, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Wilfred Afolabi, condemned the attack and arson on the station.
Mr Afolabi immediately ordered a full-scale investigation into the circumstances that led to the incident.
But in a petition on Monday to the chief justice of the state, Olusegun Odusola, the family of the deceased, accused the police of killing their son (Tolu) after he was subjected to a ‘severe torture.’
Dupe Bobade, who signed the copy of the petition on behalf of the family which was released to journalists in Akure, said that the deceased was arrested on February 14, by officers attached to the police station under the instruction of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Isadare Funminiyi.
She explained in the petition, which was copied to the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, that the late Mr Tolu was allegedly ‘subjected to severe torture’ leading to his death on February 15.
“I write to you with a heart laden with grief and a fervent plea for justice on behalf of the Bobade family of Ifon, Ondo State. Our beloved son and brother, Master Tolu Bobade, aged 17, met an untimely and tragic death under circumstances that not only shock the conscience but also starkly contravene the laws of our nation.
“On the 14th of February, 2025, Tolu was arrested by officers of the Ifon Police Division under the directive of Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Isadare Funminiyi.
“During his detention, Tolu was subjected to severe torture, leading to his death on the 15th of February, 2025. In a grievous attempt to obscure their misconduct, the officers transported his lifeless body to Adelabu Hospital in Ifon, where it was rejected.
“Subsequently, they moved his remains to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Owo, where it was deposited in the morgue on their own without the knowledge of the family,” a copy of the petition read.
According to the family, the action of the police contravenes the legal provisions of Anti-Torture 2017 and administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.
While demanding justice, the family asked the state chief judge to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Tolu’s arrest, detention, and death.
They added, “That DPO Isadare Funminiyi and all officers involved be held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law in line with the provisions of the Anti-Torture Act and the ACJA.
“The Bobade family seeks solace in the assurance that justice will prevail, not only to honour the memory of Tolu but also to reinforce the rule of law and deter future violations.
“We place our trust in your esteemed office to ensure that justice is served.”
