An Ibadan – based trader, Mr . Kehinde Omotosho , has died in police custody seven days after being arrested for a crime allegedly committed by his son , Kabiru.
Nigeria Tribune reports that based on a report lodged in a crime – reporting app , FlagIt App, the deceased was arrested along with another of his sons, Jelili , by policemen last week and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department , Iyaganku, Ibadan.
While in detention , the police allegedly denied him access to relatives until his death on Wednesday.
Akin Fadeyi , Director of the Akin Fadeyi Foundation, said Kehinde , who was the breadwinner of his family , left behind an aged mother.
Fadeyi said , “ We just received another sad report through FlagIt App. Mr . Kehinde Omotosho , alias Akéde , a trader at Gbagi Market , Ibadan , Oyo State , was in his house on Wednesday . Nigerian police officers from Iyaganku came to his house to effect arrest of his son , Kabiru. He was said to have been involved in a fight.
“ The son was not at home . The police allegedly arrested the father in lieu of the son . This is called hostage arrest . They drove him to State CID , Iyaganku . They also took with him Kabiru ’ s brother, called Jelili.
“ Mr . Omotosho was kept for seven days . He was not charged to court and neither were his relatives allowed to see him . Between yesterday night and today , Mr . Kehinde Omotosho died in police cell.
“ The family Representative of the Late Mr . Omotosho , while speaking with me said these words , ‘ The Nigerian Police has killed our family member . We are only cheated because we are not educated and because we don ’ t know anybody ’”.
Fadeyi asked the police to prepare for battle as the matter would not be swept under the carpet.
“ Nigerian Police authorities are being put on notice that this matter shall not be swept under the carpet. We shall demand justice for the bereaved and his family , ” Fadeyi said.
When contacted on the telephone , Police Public Relations Officer, Oyo State command , Mr . Gbenga Fadeyi , said he was not aware of the incident but promised to find out.
“ I just heard about this now but I will find out and get back to you later in the day , ” the police spokesman said .
