Kwara family accuses police of torturing son to death in custody

The family of 35-year-old Jimoh AbdulQodir Tunji, who died in the custody of the Kwara State Police Command on Friday, has accused officers of torturing him to death over an alleged debt of ₦220,000. The incident has left his family and community in shock.

The state police command announced on Sunday that an investigation into Tunji’s death is underway. This marks the third reported case in less than five months in Kwara State where police officers have been implicated in the deaths of suspects.

Tunji, a poultry farmer, was reportedly arrested following a petition from his employer concerning an unpaid debt. A viral video shared online on Sunday shows his grieving mother and relatives accusing the police of torturing him.

In the video, his mother tearfully said, “My son did not kill anyone. He only owed someone. They have killed my son. Please, come to my aid. The police at the headquarters have killed my son. Kadri was his name. He was a good boy in the community. They beat him to death in police custody. Blood was gushing out of his nose.”

Police spokesperson Ejire-Adeyemi Toun confirmed the incident in a statement, saying that the deceased had been invited for questioning over allegations of obtaining money under false pretenses. She added that investigations into the matter are ongoing, promising transparency.

“The Kwara State Police Command is aware of an unfortunate incident that led to the tragic loss of one Mr. Jimoh Abdulquadri on December 20, 2024. Discrete investigations have commenced to ascertain the cause, and no stone will be left unturned,” Toun stated.

In response to the public outcry, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) to take over the case. The IGP visited Kwara State on Sunday, meeting with the bereaved family and assuring them of a thorough and impartial investigation.

Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi said, “The IGP expressed profound condolences to the family and assured them that justice will be served. He reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to accountability and respect for human rights.”

This tragic event follows two recent cases of alleged police killings in the state.

In October 2024, three officers were implicated in the death of 27-year-old Suleiman Olayinka, an asthmatic patient who reportedly died after being mistreated by officers at the Tanke Bridge in Ilorin. The officers were subsequently dismissed.

In September 2024, another case involved the fatal shooting of Ishola Abdulqoyum, a student of Kwara State Polytechnic, along Panat Road in Ilorin. Investigations into both incidents are ongoing.

The repeated allegations of police misconduct have sparked public outrage, with calls for greater accountability and reforms within the force.