The Lagos State Police Command has commenced a forensic probe into the death of Mr. Bamidele Akingboye, a former governorship candidate in Ondo State, following public concern over the circumstances surrounding his passing.
Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, on Sunday directed the State Criminal Investigation Department, to lead the inquiry after photographs of Akingboye’s remains, showing visible injuries on his head, surfaced online.
Earlier reports had indicated that the politician died quietly at his Victoria Garden City residence in Lagos on Wednesday.
However, the images have raised suspicions that his death may not have been natural.
Confirming the development in a statement posted on its official X handle, @LagosPoliceNG, the command said detectives, backed by forensic experts and the Crime Scene Investigation unit, had visited the late politician’s residence to gather evidence.
“The Commissioner of Police has instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, SCID, to conduct a discreet and thorough investigation into the matter,” the statement read.
According to the police, the apartment has been cordoned off while forensic teams employ specialised tools to determine what may have caused Akingboye’s death.
Human rights activists have also weighed in, urging the police to ensure credibility and transparency. A Lagos-based lawyer, Mrs. Funke Adeyemi, told reporters, “This is not just about one man; it is about public confidence in our justice system. Nigerians deserve to know the truth about what happened.”
Another activist, Mr. Kunle Ajayi, added, “Any attempt to sweep this case under the carpet will only deepen mistrust in law enforcement. The police must go the extra mile to establish whether this was a natural death or foul play.”
Akingboye, who contested the November 2024 Ondo State governorship election under the Social Democratic Party, lost to the incumbent governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress.
Police authorities assured that findings from the ongoing investigation would be made public once concluded.
