The death of Inspector Ajele Oloyede, who was allegedly shot by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Tolorunloju Stephen at a ceramics company in Igbesa, Ogun State, has sparked outrage and raised concerns about a possible cover-up within the Ogun State Police Command.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, March 20, 2025, has been shrouded in controversy, with conflicting reports about the circumstances leading to Ajele’s death.
Conflicting Narratives: Suicide or Homicide?
Initial reports from the Ogun State Police Command suggested that Inspector Oloyede had died by suicide, a claim that has been widely disputed by his colleagues and sources familiar with the case.
An audio recording obtained by SaharaReporters, allegedly featuring discussions among senior police officers, suggests an attempt to manipulate the official narrative. The recording reportedly includes claims that Ajele was shot by ASP Stephen, contradicting the official stance that he killed himself with a rifle.
One officer, disputing the suicide theory, said:
“We don’t know what happened between him and that ASP. That ASP used his pistol to fire Ajele instantly, but he denied it.”
Another officer questioned the credibility of the police command’s claim, noting that Ajele was never issued a rifle on the day of the incident:
“How come Ajele had a rifle to kill himself as they claimed? We told the CP that Ajele never went out with a rifle. His rifle, uniform, and shoes were with us. He took proper permission before he left that day.”
Furthermore, an officer who inspected the deceased inspector’s body raised doubts about the bullet wound’s trajectory, arguing that it did not align with typical suicide cases.
“The bullet penetration does not suggest suicide. If it were, he would have shot himself in the head,” the officer stated.
ASP Stephen at the Center of the Investigation
ASP Tolorunloju Stephen, who is attached to the Force Headquarters Annex in Lagos, was deployed to the ceramics company in Sango-Ota, Ogun State at the time of the incident. Sources claim he was the first to raise the alarm after the shooting, fueling suspicions that he may have been trying to control the narrative.
Despite being the prime suspect, Stephen has not been detained, leading to accusations of favoritism and a lack of accountability.
“If it were a junior officer who fired that shot, he would have been behind bars by now. But this ASP is walking free,” an officer lamented.
Ogun State Police Command’s Shifting Position
Initially, Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Omolola Odutola, announced that Ajele had died by suicide, stating that ASP Stephen had discovered the body after hearing a gunshot.
However, after widespread public scrutiny and internal backlash, Odutola later retracted her initial statement, admitting that the suicide claim was based on preliminary findings rather than concrete evidence.
“When a crime happens, the first thing we do is gather information from the first respondent,” Odutola explained.
“The report was given at the preliminary level of investigation, and we are now conducting a full forensic investigation.”
Despite assurances of a thorough investigation, insiders within the police force have expressed distrust in the process, with allegations that the case is being manipulated to shield ASP Stephen from consequences.
Colleagues Reject Suicide Claim
Friends and colleagues of the deceased inspector have dismissed the idea that Ajele took his own life, pointing to his personal stability and achievements.
“How can someone who owned three plots of land and had built a house just wake up one day and kill himself? Let us be reasonable,” a senior officer stated.
Beyond that, it has been alleged that a police officer who supported Ajele’s movements on the day of the incident has faced repercussions. The officer, who had confirmed that Ajele had taken proper permission before leaving work, was reportedly punished for standing by the truth and accused of “lack of supervision” and “insubordination”.
Growing Demands for Justice
The case has triggered widespread outrage within the police force and among the public, with many calling for a transparent and unbiased investigation into Ajele’s death.
With suspicions of foul play and a cover-up growing, advocacy groups and legal experts are urging the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to intervene and ensure that justice is served.
