1 week ago
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Family of a detainee, the late Tolu Bobade, who died while in Police custody in Ifon, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, has petitioned the Chief Judge of Ondo State seeking justice.
The petition dated February 17, 2025 and to the state Chief Judge of the state, Justice Aiyedun Olusegun Odusola, sought justice for the what the family described as untimely and tragic death of Tolu Bobade
The petition entitled: “Petition for Justice in the Case of Late Master Tolu Bobade,” was signed by Dupe Bobade on behalf of the Bobade Family in Ifon.
In the petition, the family called for immediate impartial investigation into the arrest, detention and eventual death of Tolu Bobade.
The family demanded that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the state where the late Tolu Bobade was detained, Isadare Funminiyi and other officers in the station should be held responsible and prosecuted for the death of the victim.
The petition reads in parts: “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, 2024.
“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.
“The actions perpetrated by the Ifon Police Division are in direct violation of Nigeria’s legal statutes, which unequivocally prohibit torture and custodial abuse:
“Anti-Torture Act, 2017 Section 1: Mandates that all persons, including suspects and detainees, must be treated with respect for their inherent dignity and that no individual shall be subjected to physical or mental torture.
“Section 2: Defines torture as any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted to obtain information, punish, or coerce.
“Section 3: Emphasizes that no exceptional circumstances, including a state of war or internal political instability, may be invoked to justify torture.
“Section 8: Stipulates that any person who commits torture is liable on conviction to imprisonment for up to 25 years.
“Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015: Section 8(1): Asserts that a suspect shall be accorded humane treatment, with the right to dignity of person, and not be subjected to torture or ill-treatment.
“Section 10(1): Requires that a suspect be informed of their rights, including the right to remain silent and the right against self-incrimination, thereby prohibiting coercive interrogation methods.
“In light of these egregious violations, we earnestly request: Immediate Investigation: A thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding Tolu’s arrest, detention, and death.
“Prosecution of Offenders: 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.”
The state Attorney General and Commissioner of Police, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo (SAN) was copied by the family.
It would be recalled that irate youths in Ifon torched a police station in the town in reaction to the death of one of them, Tolu Bobade while in custody of the police.
English (US) ·