RismadarVoice Reporters
October 10, 2026
The family of a 40-year-old man, Taofeek Azeez, has demanded a thorough investigation into his death while in police custody in Agbeye, Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State.
Azeez reportedly died hours after he was apprehended by local vigilantes over allegations of stealing cocoa seeds and subsequently handed over to the police.
According to accounts of the incident, the deceased was arrested on Wednesday and initially taken to the palace of the Alagbeye of Agbeye before being transferred to a police outpost for questioning.
A video said to have circulated following his arrest reportedly showed Azeez being subjected to corporal punishment and paraded partially unclothed while being escorted to the traditional ruler’s palace.
The circumstances surrounding his treatment before detention have raised questions among relatives, who are demanding accountability from the authorities.
Speaking on Friday, the deceased’s brother, Fatai Alimi, expressed concern over the circumstances of the death and called on the Osun State Commissioner of Police to order an independent and transparent investigation.
Alimi said the family was informed that Azeez had allegedly taken his own life while in detention, but questioned the explanation provided.
He described the reported circumstances as suspicious and urged investigators to establish what happened between the time of his arrest and the discovery of his body.
The deceased’s brother also questioned reports that Azeez had been stripped of his clothing before being taken into police custody.
According to the family, the deceased left behind three wives, six children and an elderly mother.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, said Azeez was initially apprehended by members of the community over an allegation involving the theft of cocoa seeds.
Ojelabi explained that the vigilantes took the suspect to the traditional ruler, who directed that he be handed over to the police for further investigation.
The police spokesperson said Azeez was subsequently questioned and detained at a police outpost.
He added that the deceased was later discovered dead when an officer went to check on him in detention.
The police account did not establish the precise cause of death or provide conclusive details about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The family has maintained that the explanation given so far is insufficient and has called for a comprehensive investigation to determine whether Azeez was subjected to mistreatment before or during his detention.
Relatives are also seeking clarification on the reported physical assault before he was handed over to the police.
The incident has renewed concerns about the treatment of suspects in custody and the responsibility of law enforcement agencies to protect individuals under their supervision.
The family is demanding justice, accountability and a clear explanation of the events that led to Azeez’s death.
