Family calls for justice as newlywed man dies in police custody

Thursday, February 20, 2025 - The Lagos State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the death of a newlywed man, Abdulmujid Igbamitayo Oduga, while in police custody at Ikota Police Post in the Ajah area of the state.

It was gathered that the deceased allegedly had a misunderstanding with his female neighbour, which led to his arrest and detention at the police post on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.

Family members of the deceased alleged that Oduga was subjected to severe torture during his detention, resulting in his d3ath.

They also accused the police of not allowing him to contact his family while in custody.

A family member @omoiyacele who raised the alarm in a post on X last weekend, said the police dumped Oduga's corpse at a morgue in the Epe area of the state.

He disclosed that the deceased got married four months ago.

“My cousin, Late Abdulmujid Igbamitayo Oduga, was murdered by @PoliceNG just because of a mere misunderstanding between him and his neighbour. He died at the Ikota Police Post under Ajiwe Police Station located at Ajah under the IOP Azeezat. The corpse was deposited at Epe,” he wrote. 

"We urge the Nigeria Police to help our family look into this matter for a clear and true picture of the matter for us to know the particular person that killed our beloved son who just did his wedding not up to four months ago.”

In a statement on Wednesday, February 19, spokesperson of the command, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest of the Investigating Police Officer and the complainant.

Hundeyin also noted that an autopsy would be carried out to determine the cause of Oduga’s death and to be followed by necessary actions.

“Investigations have since commenced. The Investigating Police Officer and the complainant are currently in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba. Meanwhile, an autopsy is about to be carried out to determine the cause of death, after which further necessary actions will follow,” the PPRO stated.

““Members of the public are assured that a thorough investigation will be carried out and any person(s) found culpable will be dealt with in accordance with the law.”