Kwara Family Accuses Police of Torturing Son to Death in Custody
The family of 35-year-old farmer Jimoh AbdulQodir Tunji has accused the Kwara State Police Command of torturing him to death while in custody over an alleged debt of ₦220,000. Tunji’s death, which occurred on Friday, has sparked outrage and calls for justice.
A viral video showing the deceased’s grieving mother and relatives alleging police brutality has brought the incident to public attention. In the video, Tunji’s mother tearfully accused the police of beating her son to death, saying, “My son did not kill anyone. He only owed someone. They beat him to death in police custody. Blood was gushing out of his nose.”
Tunji, a poultry farmer, was reportedly arrested after his employer filed a petition regarding the debt. Family members claim he was summoned to the state police headquarters and was not allowed to see his relatives before his death.
In response to the allegations, the spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, confirmed that Tunji had been invited over a case of obtaining money under false pretenses. She stated that investigations were underway to determine the cause of his death, assuring that “no stone will be left unturned.”
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has directed the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) to take over the case. During a meeting with the bereaved family, Egbetokun expressed condolences and promised a thorough investigation. “The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to upholding the highest standards of accountability, professionalism, and respect for human rights,” said Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
Tunji’s death marks the third case of alleged police killings in Kwara State in less than five months. In previous incidents, officers were implicated in the deaths of 27-year-old Suleiman Olayinka, who died at Tanke Bridge in Ilorin, and Ishola Abdulqoyum, a student of Kwara State Polytechnic fatally shot along Panat Road in September 2024.
Human rights advocates and community leaders are demanding justice and accountability, as the public outcry over repeated allegations of police brutality continues to grow.
