Ikenne community seeks investigation into man's death during police arrest

The Ikenne community in Ogun State is calling for an independent investigation into the death of Demola Agboola. He reportedly died after police took him into custody following a fight between two young men.

The community, represented by the Ikenne Development Association UK Chapter and the Truth, Peace and Reconciliation Committee Stakeholders, stated that Agboola was not involved in the initial dispute. He had intervened to help settle the argument between the two men.

This call came after a report by PUNCH Metro claimed that Agboola, suspected of being a cultist, collapsed and died while trying to escape police arrest in Ikenne.

The report mentioned that a man had filed a threat-to-life report with the police. He was later allegedly attacked by Demola and other suspects, which led to police action.

In response to the incident, Distinct Oreselu, the President of the community association, provided a different version of events surrounding Agboola’s death. He raised concerns about how the police treated him.

Oreselu explained that the trouble started on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Glory Time Pharmacy, also known as Fugo Pharmacy, in Ikenne. A young man named Anu had gone to the pharmacy in an ash-coloured Toyota Venza to buy medicine for his mother. Another man, Daniel, arrived in a Toyota Camry and parked behind him.

Anu reportedly asked Daniel to move his vehicle so he could leave, leading to a heated argument. Oreselu said the argument escalated to a physical fight where Anu slapped Daniel.

Daniel then asked Agboola to help mediate the dispute since he was known in the community for resolving conflicts. Oreselu noted that Agboola agreed to help and planned a meeting between the two men around Kajola, Ikenne, at about 1 pm the next day.

Anu, who had already reported the issue to the police, informed them about the planned meeting and brought friends along. "The police subsequently positioned themselves around Kajola before the scheduled meeting," Oreselu claimed.

When Anu and Daniel arrived with their friends, Daniel allegedly got angry about the previous night and punched Anu, starting another fight. Oreselu said Agboola tried to step in and asked both sides to keep the peace.

At that moment, police officers who were already there appeared and began to arrest some people present. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) later arrived, and Daniel was taken to the police station.

Oreselu stated that Agboola left the scene when police arrived but was chased by an officer. Agboola reportedly told the officer he was there to mediate but was told to follow him to the station.

The officer later called the DPO for help, saying he couldn't take Agboola alone. When the DPO returned, Oreselu said he found Demola sitting on the ground, with Officer Toluwani beside him.

Oreselu claimed the DPO got angry, picked up a piece of firewood, and used it to beat Agboola, while another officer kicked him in the chest as he sat on the ground. Agboola then told the officers he was tired and could not walk.

Despite his condition, the DPO initially wanted to take Agboola to the station in only his boxer shorts until some residents pleaded with him to let Agboola wear his torn jeans. He also called for medical help.

Despite this, Agboola was taken to the police station instead of a hospital. While at the station, Anu, who was asked to watch Daniel's vehicle, saw Agboola lying on the floor and asked for medical help.

Oreselu claimed the DPO said Agboola could go to the hospital if Anu could take him, believing Agboola was just being “theatrical” despite his fatigue.

Agboola was first taken to a private hospital near Ikenne but was rejected and referred to the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital in Sagamu. Oreselu alleged that Agboola was taken in Anu’s Toyota Venza instead of a police vehicle.

Instead of going directly to OOUTH, the police told Anu to return to the station first, saying the DPO ordered them to come back. "After about 20 minutes, they finally moved to OOUTH Sagamu," the statement said.

Oreselu revealed that Agboola was declared dead upon arrival at OOUTH. The community believes the circumstances of his death need an independent investigation. They want to know what happened during his encounter with police, why he was taken to the station instead of a hospital, and what injuries he sustained.

Oreselu called for investigators to identify all officers involved and find out if any assault contributed to Agboola’s death.

“The community is not asking for anyone to be condemned without due process. We want a transparent and credible investigation into Demola’s death,” Oreselu said.

He emphasized that Agboola was not part of the initial fight. He was there to help resolve the issue peacefully. Oreselu urged the authorities to find the truth and hold anyone responsible accountable under the law.

He said an investigation would help prevent future incidents like this tragic death that happened while trying to settle a disagreement peacefully.

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command stated they were investigating the case thoroughly. Opeyemi Oluborode, the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, told PUNCH Metro in August, "We are aware of this case. A very diligent investigation is currently ongoing to ascertain the facts of the matter."