A Lagos-based barber, Babajide Adelowo, has died just a day after his release from 28 days in police custody, with his family accusing security operatives of subjecting him to severe torture during detention.
Adelowo was reportedly arrested by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command’s X-Squad at his barbing shop in Iba Estate, Iyana-Iba, on October 6, over allegations of possessing firearms. He was released on November 3 but died shortly afterwards.
According to his relatives, the police searched his shop but allegedly failed to recover any firearms. They further claimed that officers seized items, including a generator, chairs and other belongings, while restricting his access to family members and legal representatives.
His family alleged that he was repeatedly suspended from a weightlifting rod with his hands and legs tied during detention, leaving him too weak to walk or feed himself without assistance.
His widow, Mariam, said her husband was in a critical condition when the police handed him over to the family. She alleged that he could barely walk and appeared extremely weak, prompting the family to rush him to hospital.
A medical report dated November 5 indicated that Adelowo was admitted with symptoms including bleeding, vomiting blood, abdominal pain, severe weakness and anaemia. The hospital assessed his condition as symptomatic anaemia associated with gastrointestinal bleeding and haemorrhagic shock.
According to the report, he received a blood transfusion but later developed convulsions and breathing difficulties. Medical personnel attempted to resuscitate him, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
The family is demanding justice and has called for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his arrest, detention, alleged mistreatment and death.
The Take It Back Movement has also urged the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to order an independent probe, including an autopsy involving the family, to establish the cause of death and determine whether alleged abuse or inadequate medical care contributed to the tragedy.
The group further called for investigations into allegations of extortion and the seizure of property from the deceased’s shop.
However, Lagos State Police Command spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi denied that Adelowo was tortured, adding that an official statement would be issued.
The incident has renewed calls for accountability and respect for the rights of suspects in police custody, as the bereaved family seeks answers over the death of a husband and father.
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