Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Olohundare Jimoh

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, has ordered a forensic investigation into the death of former Ondo State governorship candidate, Mr Bamidele Akingboye.

The directive followed the circulation of a disturbing photograph of Akingboye’s body on social media, purportedly showing bruises on his head and raising doubts about the real cause of death. The image has fuelled suspicion that Akingboye’s death may not have been natural, contradicting earlier reports that he died peacefully at his VGC residence in Lagos on Wednesday.

Human rights advocates have urged the police to ensure a thorough, transparent and credible investigation that will determine the actual circumstances surrounding Akingboye’s death. In a post on its official X handle, @LagosPoliceNG, on Sunday, the command confirmed that Commissioner Jimoh had directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to investigate, stating that he had instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of SCID to discreetly probe the incident.

According to the command, detectives supported by the Crime Scene Investigation vehicle have visited the residence where Akingboye’s body was discovered. The area has been cordoned off while forensic experts employ specialised tools and methods to gather evidence and analyse the circumstances of his death.

Akingboye, a former Social Democratic Party candidate, contested the November 2024 Ondo governorship election but lost to the incumbent, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress.