The family of Suleiman Adeyemi, a young man who died in police custody after allegedly being beaten by officers, is demanding justice following a tragic incident that has sparked outrage in the community and beyond.
Suleiman, a student awaiting mobilization for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), was reportedly involved in a financial dispute over a ₦400,000 debt with a friend. This dispute led to police intervention after the friend filed a complaint at the Ganmo Police Station. On December 17, 2024, police officers attempted to arrest Suleiman in the Tanke area of Ilorin, where witnesses claim he was brutally beaten instead of being taken into custody peacefully.
According to his mother, Fausat Adeyemi, the incident escalated when police officers disregarded pleas from bystanders and used excessive force during the arrest. "He was waiting for NYSC mobilization. We need all the help we can get. We want justice for Suleiman," she stated in an emotional interview.
Following the incident, three police officers involved have been arrested, and the case is currently under investigation. The Kwara State Police Commissioner, Victor Olaiya, has assured the family that appropriate charges will be filed against the officers once autopsy results are available. However, concerns remain regarding transparency and accountability within the police force.
The police spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, stated that Suleiman resisted arrest, leading to a struggle that resulted in his death. This assertion has been met with skepticism by many who have witnessed similar cases of alleged police brutality in Nigeria.
The circumstances surrounding Suleiman's death highlight ongoing issues of police violence and extrajudicial killings in Nigeria. Human rights organizations have long criticized the Nigerian police for their history of brutality and lack of accountability. The recent incident adds to a growing list of cases that demand urgent reform within law enforcement agencies.