The Kwara State Police Command is under fire following allegations that officers tortured a man, Jimoh AbdulQodir Tunji, to death in custody over an unpaid debt of ₦220,000. The tragic incident has triggered widespread calls for justice and accountability from civil society organizations and the public.
Tunji was arrested on December 20, 2024, after a complaint was lodged by the creditor, reportedly involving the creditor’s brother, who is a police officer. Family members claim their attempts to secure his release were denied, leaving Tunji detained overnight.
In the early hours of December 21, the family received a distressing call, informing them that Tunji had allegedly hanged himself in custody. However, the family has vehemently rejected the police’s account of suicide, citing visible injuries on his face as evidence of alleged torture.
Speaking anonymously, a relative of the deceased described the police’s explanation as a cover-up, accusing officers of brutality. “He had no reason to take his life. The injuries we saw on him tell a different story,” the family member said.
In a statement on Sunday, the Kwara State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, described the incident as “unfortunate” and confirmed that an investigation was underway. She noted that Tunji was invited to the station over allegations of obtaining money under false pretenses but emphasized that a thorough inquiry would reveal the truth.
Civil society organizations and human rights advocates have decried the incident as another case of police impunity, demanding immediate action from the Kwara State Government and the Inspector-General of Police. Activists argue that the case exemplifies systemic abuse within law enforcement and underscores the urgent need for reform.
Public outrage has flooded social media, with citizens demanding transparency and accountability. Many have questioned how a debt dispute escalated to such a tragic end and called for the prosecution of any officers found culpable.
The Kwara State Police Command has promised to provide updates as the investigation progresses, but the family of the deceased and the broader community insist that justice must be served swiftly and fairly.
