Lagos barber dies after 28 days in police custody Lagos barber dies after 28 days in police custody
AI Executive Briefing
Gemini Flash AI~45s readBabajide Adelowo, a barber arrested for alleged firearm possession, died following his release from 28 days of police detention. His family claims he suffered fatal injuries due to severe torture by the X-Squad of the Lagos State Police Command, a claim the police have denied.
Context & Background
- ✦The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding police brutality, the use of torture during interrogations, and the denial of legal access to detainees in Nigeria.
- ✦The incident has sparked calls for accountability from civil society groups, specifically regarding the conduct of the X-Squad and the alleged extortion of community members.
Key Figures & Named Entities
Babajide Adelowo:Deceased barber who spent 28 days in police custody.Abimbola Adebisi:Lagos State Police Command spokesperson who denied torture allegations.Take It Back Movement:Civil society group demanding an independent investigation and autopsy.
Outlook & Next Steps
The Lagos State Police Command is expected to issue an official statement, while civil society groups are pushing for an independent autopsy and the prosecution of the officers involved.
Key Takeaways
AI Summary- Babajide Adelowo, a Lagos-based barber, died shortly after his release from 28 days of police custody where he was held on suspicion of firearm possession.
- The deceased's family and widow allege that police officers subjected him to severe physical torture, including suspension from a weightlifting rod, which led to his critical health decline.
- The Take It Back Movement has formally demanded an independent investigation, autopsy, and prosecution of the X-Squad officers involved in the alleged torture and extortion.
Key Facts:October 6: Babajide Adelowo was arrested by the Lagos State Police Command X-Squad at his shop in Iba Estate.November 3: Adelowo was released from police custody and handed over to his family by the roadside.N50,000: The estate chairman was allegedly forced to pay a sum to secure his own release after attempting to advocate for the barber.
Editorial Excerpt
A Lagos-based barber, Babajide Adelowo, has died a day after he was released from police custody, where he allegedly spent 28 days following his arrest over suspected possession of firearms.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Story
What were the specific allegations of torture made by the family?
The family alleged that Adelowo was repeatedly suspended from a weightlifting rod with his hands and legs tied for 30 to 40 minutes at a time, and that his muscles and veins were squeezed with an instrument.
What was the official police response to the allegations of torture?
Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, denied that the deceased was subjected to torture and stated that an official statement would be issued.
