A suspected cocoa thief identified simply as Taofeek has reportedly died in police detention in Agbeye, Osun State, in what is believed to be a case of suicide.
Community sources said Taofeek, a resident of Agbeye, was arrested on Monday by local volunteers with some stolen cocoa seeds.
After his arrest, it was learnt that he was taken to the traditional ruler’s palace before being handed over to the police at Agbeye Police Post.
A resident of the town, who craved anonymity for security reasons, said theft of cocoa seedlings had been occurring frequently in the community, adding that residents were surprised when Taofeek was arrested in connection with the theft.
“He was arrested by some local volunteers on Monday. He is a known personality in our community and upon his arrest, he was taken alongside the cocoa seeds he stole to the palace.
“From there, he was moved to the Agbeye Police Post that same Monday, but early on Tuesday, news filtered in that he was found hanging in police detention.
“I even saw pictures of the dead body. His corpse is still with the police. The matter is causing tension in our town,” the source said.
Speaking with PUNCH Online on Wednesday, the Osun Police Command Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the incident.
He said, “The incident occurred in Agbeye community in Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State. The man involved is simply identified as Taofeek.
“The deceased was apprehended by the community for alleged stealing of cocoa seeds. After arresting him, they took him to the monarch of the town and the king in turn instructed that they should hand him over to the police.
“He was taken to the police outpost in Agbeye. On getting there, he was questioned, after which he was detained. A few hours later, when the officer went to check on him in the cell, he had committed suicide. He committed suicide inside the cell.”
On steps taken to probe the circumstances surrounding the death, Ojelabi said the police officer in charge of the station had been interrogated.
He, however, said no arrest had been made in connection with the incident, adding that the remains of the deceased had yet to be claimed by his relatives.
Ojelabi added, “We are taking necessary steps to interrogate the officer in question, but our investigation so far shows that it is a case of suicide and the family has been contacted. We are still discussing with the family to know how we are going to handle the matter.”
He also said the command was not aware that the deceased was humiliated by those who arrested him before he was handed over to the police.
“We don’t know if he was paraded across town before he was brought to the station”, the PPRO added.
