Ogun community demands probe of man’s death during police arrest

The Ikenne community in Ogun State has requested an impartial investigation into the manner of Demola Agboola's passing, which transpired following his apprehension by the police in connection with a dispute between two young men. Agboola, who was not among the original participants in the disagreement, had stepped in to mediate.

This demand came after a prior report by PUNCH Metro suggesting that Agboola, who was suspected of being a member of a cult, succumbed to his injuries en route to the police station following a supposed ambush by him and others. In response, the community's President, Distinct Oreselu, offered a contrasting account of events, questioning the treatment of Agboola by the police.

According to Oreselu, the incident commenced on August 21, 2026, at the Glory Time Pharmacy, colloquially known as Fugo Pharmacy, in Ikenne. A young man named Anu had visited the pharmacy to purchase medication for his ailing mother. He arrived in a Toyota Venza, but Daniel arrived shortly after in a Toyota Camry, parking behind Anu.

Oreselu alleged that a heated argument ensued when Anu demanded that Daniel reverse his vehicle to allow him to depart. This argument escalated physically when Anu reportedly slapped Daniel. In response, Daniel approached Agboola for assistance, as the latter was known in the community for his mediation skills in resolving disputes.

Oreselu reported that Agboola agreed to mediate, arranging a meeting between the two parties at Kajola, Ikenne, the following day at around 1 pm. He claimed that Anu had already notified the police about the scheduled meeting and had invited friends to accompany him. Upon arrival at the meeting spot, Daniel allegedly became enraged over the previous night's altercation and struck Anu, escalating the confrontation further.

According to Oreselu, Agboola attempted to intervene, urging both parties to maintain peace. It was at this juncture that the police, who had reportedly been positioned around the area, intervened and began apprehending individuals present, according to the statement. The Divisional Police Officer arrived at the scene subsequently, taking Daniel into custody.

Oreselu alleged that Agboola departed the scene immediately, only to be pursued by an officer who insisted on accompanying him to the police station. When the DPO returned to the location, eyewitnesses testified that they found Agboola seated on the ground, with Officer Toluwani standing beside him. The community leader alleged that despite Agboola's evident exhaustion, the DPO initially attempted to have him transported to the station while wearing only his boxer shorts.

After some residents intervened, requesting that Agboola be permitted to change into his torn jeans, the police took him to the station. The statement further alleged that Agboola repeatedly requested medical assistance while at the station. Oreselu contended that the DPO responded by instructing Anu, who was tasked with monitoring Daniel's vehicle, to transport Agboola to the hospital if possible.

However, the officer believed the deceased to be "theatrical" despite his persistent complaints of fatigue. The statement further claimed that Agboola was initially taken to a private hospital along IYC Road, behind the Ikenne sawmill, but was denied admission and subsequently referred to the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital in Sagamu.

According to Oreselu, Agboola was transported in Anu's Toyota Venza instead of a police vehicle. He also alleged that the police instructed Anu to return to the station rather than proceeding directly to OOUTH. After approximately 20 minutes, they arrived at OOUTH, where Agboola was pronounced dead. The community has raised multiple questions, seeking an independent investigation into the circumstances leading to Agboola's death, including the sequence of events during his encounter with the police, the reason for his transfer to the station rather than immediate medical care, and the nature of any injuries he sustained prior to his demise.

The community leader emphasized that they are not seeking accusations without proper due process; rather, they demand a transparent, independent, and credible investigation.