Cocoa Thief Found Dead in Osun Police Cell

A man suspected of stealing cocoa, known only as Taofeek, has reportedly died by suicide while in police custody in Agbeye, Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State.

Taofeek, who lived in Agbeye, was said to have been arrested by local volunteers on Monday for allegedly having stolen cocoa seeds.

After his arrest, he was taken to the traditional ruler’s palace before being handed over to the police at the Agbeye Police Post.

A local resident, who asked to remain anonymous for safety, said cocoa theft had become common in the area.

The resident mentioned that Taofeek’s arrest surprised many because he was a well-known figure in the community.

He said, “He was arrested by some local volunteers on Monday. He is a known personality in our community and, after his arrest, he was taken with the cocoa seeds he allegedly stole to the palace.

“From there, he was moved to the Agbeye Police Post that same Monday, but early on Tuesday, news spread 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.”

On Wednesday, the Public Relations Officer for the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the incident. He said Taofeek had been detained after the community handed him over to the police.

He stated, “The incident happened in Agbeye community in Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State. The man involved is simply identified as Taofeek.

“The deceased was caught by the community for allegedly stealing cocoa seeds.

“After arresting him, they took him to the town's monarch, and the king instructed them to hand him over to the police.

“He was taken to the police outpost in Agbeye. When he got there, he was questioned and then detained.

“A few hours later, when the officer went to check him in the cell, he had committed suicide. He committed suicide inside the cell.”

Regarding the investigation into his death, Ojelabi said the officer in charge of the outpost had been questioned. However, he noted that no arrests had been made related to the incident, and Taofeek’s family had yet to claim his remains.

Ojelabi added, “We are taking necessary steps to interrogate the officer involved, 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.”

The PPRO also mentioned that the command was not aware of claims that Taofeek had been humiliated by those who arrested him before he was taken to the police.

“We don’t know if he was paraded around town before he was brought to the station,” Ojelabi added.