The family of a Lagos-based barber, Babajide Adelowo, has demanded an investigation into his death after he reportedly spent 28 days in police custody over allegations of possessing firearms.
Adelowo died shortly after his release from detention, with his relatives alleging that he suffered physical abuse and was denied adequate medical attention while in police custody.
According to The PUNCH, operatives of the Lagos State Police Command’s X-Squad arrested the barber at his shop in Iba Estate, Iyana-Iba, on October 6, 2026.
He was released to his family on November 3.
Family alleges torture during detention
The deceased’s uncle, Samson Adelowo, alleged that police officers searched the barber’s premises but did not recover any firearms.
He further claimed that officers removed equipment from the shop, including a generator and chairs.
Samson alleged that the family and its lawyers faced difficulties gaining access to Adelowo throughout his detention.
The barber’s wife, Mariam, also claimed that her husband had been subjected to physical abuse while in custody.
She said he appeared extremely weak and could barely walk when police officers handed him over to the family.
“When we saw him, he could not even walk properly,” she recounted.
According to her, Adelowo was taken to a hospital after his release, where his condition continued to deteriorate.
Medical report details complications
A medical report cited by The PUNCH indicated that Adelowo was admitted with symptoms including vomiting blood, abdominal pain, severe weakness and anaemia.
The hospital reportedly identified gastrointestinal bleeding complicated by haemorrhagic shock.
Medical personnel administered a blood transfusion and commenced treatment, but his condition deteriorated.
Despite resuscitation efforts, he was pronounced dead.
Activists demand independent investigation
The Lagos State chapter of the Take It Back Movement has called for an independent investigation into the arrest, detention and circumstances surrounding Adelowo’s death.
The group also requested an independent autopsy to establish the cause of death and determine whether alleged abuse or delayed medical attention contributed to it.
Police deny torture allegation
When contacted, Lagos police spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi denied that the deceased had been tortured.
She said the command would issue an official statement.
The family’s allegations have not been established by an independent investigation, and the medical findings alone do not identify who was responsible for Adelowo’s condition.
The deceased’s relatives are demanding accountability and justice over the circumstances surrounding his detention and death.
