NB247
The Bobade family of Ifon, in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, has petitioned the Chief Justice of Ondo State, Aiyedun Odusola, over alleged torture and death of Tolu Bobade, aged 17 by policemen attached to the Ifon division.
The petition alleged that police officers arrested yhe young man on the 14th of February and allegedly tortured him to death.
The petition dated 17th February and signed by Dupe Bobade, on behalf of the family, stated the circumstances in which Tolu Bobade died.
Titled, “Petition for Justice in the Case of Late Master Tolu Bobade,” the petition drew the attention of the Chief a judge to the fact that Mr Bobade, aged 17, met his untimely death under circumstances that contravene the laws of Nigeria.
The Arrest
The petition noted that Tolu was arrested on the 14th of February, 2025, by officers of the Ifon Police Division under the directive of Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Isadare Funminiyi.
It further alleged that 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,” the petition read.
“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.”
Legal Implications
The Bobade family drew the attention of the Chief Judge to the fact that the actions of the police at the the Ifon Division are in direct violation of Nigeria’s legal statutes, which unequivocally prohibit torture and custodial abuse:
The petition cited the Anti-Torture Act, 2017, specifically Section 1, which 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.
It further noted that Section 2 of the Act defined torture as any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted to obtain information, punish, or coerce, just as Section 3 emphasizes that no exceptional circumstances, including a state of war or internal political instability, may be invoked to justify torture.
It added that Section 8 stipulates that any person who commits torture is liable on conviction to imprisonment for up to 25 years.
Demands
The Bobade family demanded immediate and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Tolu’s arrest, detention, and death.
They also urged the authorities to prosecute all officers involved in the torture and death of Tolu 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,” the petition which was also sent to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo, read.
“We place our trust in your esteemed office to ensure that justice is served.”
The Protest
It will be recalled that the death of Master Tolu resulted in a protest from the youths of the town on Saturday and Sunday and which snowballed into arson and destruction of property.
The police station at Ifon was razed by the protesters after they chased away police officers at the station.
There was also a violent clash between the protesters and the police team deployed to restore peace to the town.
Police React
Although the violence has abated, and peace returned to the town, the police Commissioner, Wilfred Afolabi condemned the action of the mob, saying those involved in the destruction of property would face the law.
While sympathizing with the family of the deceased, Mr Afolabi said a thorough investigation into the matter has begun and the law would be enforced where there are breaches.
He however cautioned residents against taken law into their own hands as that would further disturb the peace of the state.