RismadarVoice Reporters
November 9, 2026
A Lagos-based barber, Babajide Adelowo, has died a day after his release from police custody, where he reportedly spent 28 days following his arrest over alleged possession of firearms.
Adelowo was arrested on October 6 at his barber shop in Iba Estate, Iyana-Iba, by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command’s X-Squad and released on November 3.
His family alleged that he was subjected to severe torture, denied adequate medical attention and prevented from freely communicating with relatives and lawyers during his detention.
Speaking to journalists, his uncle, Samson Adelowo, claimed that officers searched the barber’s shop without recovering any firearms but seized his generator, chairs and other belongings.
The deceased’s wife, Mariam, alleged that her husband was repeatedly suspended from a metal rod with his hands and legs tied during interrogation.
She said Adelowo became extremely weak while in custody and required assistance to walk when officers eventually handed him over to the family.
According to her, the police provided a medical referral note from the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Meta, and advised the family to take him to hospital.
Adelowo was subsequently admitted with serious health complications, including gastrointestinal bleeding, severe anaemia and general body weakness.
A medical report dated November 5 indicated that he suffered haemorrhagic shock associated with internal bleeding.
The report stated that he received a blood transfusion but later developed breathing difficulties and convulsions.
Medical personnel reportedly attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation after his condition deteriorated, but he was pronounced dead on November 4.
However, the medical findings have not independently established whether alleged torture or inadequate medical care caused his death.
The Lagos State Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, Adekunle Taofeek, has demanded an independent investigation into Adelowo’s arrest, detention and death.
The group also called for an independent autopsy, accountability for any officers found responsible and an investigation into allegations of extortion and unlawful seizure of property.
It urged authorities to protect the deceased’s family and witnesses while ensuring that the circumstances surrounding his death are thoroughly examined.
Reacting to the allegations, Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, denied that Adelowo was tortured.
She said the command would issue an official statement addressing the incident.
Adelowo’s family, meanwhile, has demanded justice and accountability, insisting that the circumstances surrounding his detention and subsequent death require an independent investigation.
