FAMILY DEMANDS JUSTICE AS MAN DIES IN OSUN POLICE CELL AFTER COCOA THEFT ALLEGATION

By NaijaParrot October 10, 2026 

 AGBEYE, OSUN STATE — 

The family of a 40-year-old man, Taofeek Azeez, has called for 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 being detained at a police outpost following an allegation that he stole cocoa seeds. The police said he died by suicide inside the cell, but his family has questioned that account and demanded an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

HOW THE INCIDENT UNFOLDED 

 According to a report by Saturday PUNCH, Azeez was apprehended by local vigilantes over the alleged theft of cocoa seeds. He was reportedly taken to the palace of the Alagbeye of Agbeye before being handed over to the police for questioning and detention. The incident has drawn concern after a video reportedly showed Azeez being physically punished and paraded partly unclothed while being taken to the palace. The circumstances surrounding the alleged punishment, the handover to the police and his subsequent death are now central to the family’s demand for answers. 

 FAMILY QUESTIONS POLICE ACCOUNT 

 The deceased’s brother, Fatai Alimi, expressed disbelief over the circumstances of Azeez’s death and called on the Osun State Commissioner of Police to intervene. Alimi questioned how his brother could have died inside a police cell and urged the authorities to establish exactly what happened while he was in custody. He also raised questions about the condition of Azeez’s clothing and the account provided to the family about his death. The family wants the relevant authorities to investigate the incident and provide a clear explanation of the events leading to the death. Its concerns remain allegations that require independent examination. 

 POLICE CONFIRM DEATH, SAY OFFICER WILL BE QUESTIONED

 The Osun State Police Command, through its spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed that Azeez died while being held at the police outpost. Ojelabi said the deceased had been apprehended by members of the community over the alleged theft of cocoa seeds and was subsequently handed over to the police on the instruction of the traditional ruler. According to the police spokesperson, officers questioned Azeez before detaining him. A few hours later, an officer checking the cell discovered that he had died. The police described the incident as suicide and said the officer responsible for the cell would be interrogated as part of the steps being taken to examine the circumstances. The command also said the family had been contacted.

 QUESTIONS OVER CUSTODY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

 The death has raised questions about the safeguards in place for people detained by law enforcement agencies, including the responsibility of officers to monitor detainees and respond to emergencies. The reported public punishment before Azeez was transferred to the police has also intensified concerns about how allegations of theft are handled by community members and local authorities. Any allegation of criminal wrongdoing should be addressed through lawful procedures, while anyone taken into custody should be treated humanely and protected from harm. A transparent investigation would help establish the sequence of events, clarify the circumstances of Azeez’s death and determine whether any individual or institution bears responsibility. 

 FAMILY SEEKS ANSWERS

 Azeez reportedly left behind six children, three wives and an elderly mother. His family’s demand for justice has placed renewed attention on the need for a credible investigation into deaths occurring in police custody. Although the police have stated that their initial findings point to suicide, the family’s concerns underscore the importance of examining the available evidence and explaining the findings clearly. 

 NaijaParrot will continue to monitor the case and report verified developments from the Osun State Police Command and other relevant authorities. 

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