The town of Ifon in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State descended into chaos after the alleged death of a teenager, identified as the son of a popular local figure known as ‘Bobby,’ while in police custody.
The boy was reportedly tortured after being arrested alongside his friend on February 14 following a Valentine’s Day altercation. According to youth advocate Oluwaseun Ogunmola, the pair were detained after a dispute over a girl at a community party led to police intervention.
“Those arrested were brutally tortured. One died in his cell on Saturday morning, while the other is in a coma at the hospital,” Ogunmola claimed.
News of the death sparked violent outrage, with the deceased’s family and friends storming the Ifon Divisional Police Station and setting it ablaze. They also torched the home of the individual who had reported the boys to the police.
Tensions escalated further on Sunday when police allegedly shot and killed Bamise, the elder brother of the boy in a coma, during a protest staged by the grieving family and community members.
A community source corroborated Ogunmola’s account, revealing that the Valentine’s Day dispute began as a fight over a girl at a local party. “Two boys were arrested after the issue was reported to the police. By Saturday morning, news spread that Bobby’s son had died in custody due to torture, while his friend was hospitalised,” the source explained.
The source added that the father of the deceased, angered by the incident, led a group that set fire to the home of the individual who reported the matter to the police, before targeting the police station. “The situation became so tense that military intervention was needed to restore order,” the source added.
The Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Wilfred Afolabi, has ordered a full investigation into the incident.
During an on-the-spot assessment of the affected areas, Afolabi condemned the attack on the police station and vowed that those responsible for the violence would be brought to justice.
Police spokesperson CSP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, in a statement, clarified that the incident originated from a dispute between two families on Ogbomo Street, Ifon, on February 15.
According to her, officers from the Ifon Division responded to the fight, intervening and arresting some suspects while others fled. She further explained that one of the young men involved, Tobi Bobade, was later brought to the station by a man identified as Mr. Losilosi.
“He appeared weak and was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead while receiving treatment. His remains have been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, for a post-mortem examination,” she stated.
She added that while officers were at the station, an angry mob, reportedly led by the deceased’s father, launched an attack on the facility, setting fire to the administrative office, the Divisional Police Officer’s office, the station store, and two exhibit vehicles.
“Fortunately, no lives were lost in the fire, as security personnel swiftly called for reinforcements,” Odunlami-Omisanya said.
During his visit, Commissioner Afolabi met with local government officials, community leaders, and other stakeholders. He expressed condolences to the deceased’s family and condemned both the alleged police brutality and the retaliatory attacks on law enforcement property.
“The Police Command urges members of the public to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands. Investigations are ongoing, and further updates will be provided as they progress,” Afolabi assured.
