Daud Olatunji
The Adeleye family in Ogun State has been plunged into despair following the mysterious death of Saheed Adeleye while in police custody.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the deceased who was a cow seller was arrested alongside his brother, Abass Adeleye on the 4th day of February, 2024.
Saheed’s fate took a tragic turn that has left his family demanding answers, justice, and accountability.
According to accounts from the family’s legal representative, Saheed and Abass were apprehended in their family home at Oke Sokori, Abeokuta, Ogun State, in the early hours of the morning while they were asleep. Purportedly conducted by individuals identifying themselves as police officers from Zone 2, Onikan, Lagos State, the arrest led to a search of the premises during which a significant amount of money and mobile phones were allegedly confiscated from both brothers.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that they were subsequently taken to the SWAT office in Magbon, Abeokuta and were detained at the Eleweran police command, where they were handed over to the Anti-Cultism Section.
However, three days into their detention, Saheed was reportedly removed from the cell he shared with Abass, marking the last time Abass saw or heard from his brother.
Despite persistent inquiries by concerned family members and legal representative, the police allegedly denied Saheed’s presence in their custody, even after his brother’s arraignment at the Special Anti-Cultism Court in Isabo, Abeokuta.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that it wasn’t until the 2nd day of March, 2024, that the family received the devastating news of Saheed’s death, with his body purportedly deposited at Ifo General Hospital.
The circumstances surrounding Saheed’s demise raise numerous troubling questions, including the failure to notify his family, conflicting statements regarding his custody, and the condition of his body upon discovery.
Allegations of wounds, bruises, and sand covering his head and face only deepen the sense of suspicion and anguish felt by his loved ones.
… AIG, Abiodun, CP, Ogun Speaker Petitioned
In a petition dated March 5,2024 and addressed to the Assistant Inspector General Of Police, filed by legal practitioners representing the Adeleye family, Sandra A. Abiem & Co. demands justice and a thorough investigation into the death of Saheed Adeleye allegedly while in custody of the Anti-Cultism Section of the Eleweran Police Command, Ogun State.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, the state governor, Dapo Abiodun, and the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Daisi Elemide, were copied on the petition.
According to the petition, Saheed Adeleye and his brother, Abass Adeleye, were apprehended in their family home on the 4th day of February, 2024, at approximately 3:00 am in Oke Sokori, Abeokuta, Ogun State, under the guise of police officers from Zone 2, Onikan, Lagos State. They were subsequently taken to the SWAT office in Magbon, Abeokuta.
During the arrest, a significant sum of money was allegedly confiscated from Saheed Adeleye’s room, along with three mobile phones. Both brothers were then transferred to the Eleweran police command and detained in the same cell.
However, Saheed Adeleye was reportedly removed from the cell, and subsequent inquiries by family members and legal representatives yielded no information about his whereabouts.
Shockingly, it was only after repeated visits to the Anti-Cultism Section that the family was informed of Saheed Adeleye’s death on the 2nd day of March, 2024, with his body purportedly deposited at Ifo General Hospital, Ogun State.
The petition raises several troubling questions ;
Why was Saheed Adeleye’s family not promptly notified of his death, considering he was arrested at his known residence?
Despite the family’s efforts to locate him, why were they repeatedly informed by police officers that Saheed Adeleye was not in custody?
Why were the three phones confiscated from Saheed Adeleye not answering despite numerous attempts by family members to contact them?
Given that Saheed and Abass Adeleye were detained together, why did the police allegedly claim that Saheed had no relatives to contact?
And Why was Saheed Adeleye’s body taken to Ifo General Hospital instead of the government hospitals in Abeokuta?
… How Police Arrested, Detained Us While Sleeping In Front Of Our House-Survivor
In a shocking turn of events, Abass Adeleye, a 30-year-old resident, recounts a nightmarish ordeal that unfolded in the dead of night, as he and his wife slept peacefully in their home. What began as a routine night turned into a terrifying encounter with law enforcement.
Abass vividly recalls being rudely awakened around 3:00 am by the presence of police officers looming over him. Before he could fully comprehend the situation, he witnessed the apprehension of his brother, Saheed, in the corridor of their residence.
Forced to comply with the officers’ instructions, Abass found himself detained alongside Saheed and another neighbour, Agbawo.
Subsequently, they were transferred to Eleweran, where Saheed and Abass endured days of confinement, deprived of the opportunity to provide a statement until the third day of their incarceration.
Few days after their detention, Saheed was reportedly called out and whisked away to an unknown destination before he was pronounced dead to the family after many efforts to locate his whereabouts.
He stated “ I am about 30 years old. What happened that day was that my wife and I slept in the same room. Around 3:00 am, I woke up to find police officers in our house.
Before they could take me to the corridor, I discovered they had apprehended Saheed in the corridor and instructed me to sit.
“They apprehended me, Agbawo, and Saheed and took us to Magbon that midnight. When we arrived, they instructed us to sit. Shortly after, they brought Saheed back home but left Agbawo. They searched Saheed’s room and returned him to Magbon.
“Around 2:00 pm on February 5th, they took us to Eleweran and locked us up in a cell. On the third day, they finally took our statements.
“The following morning, I used a hundred Naira note to buy Garri, which Saheed and I drank. An officer then called Saheed, and I hoped he was calling both of us, but it was only Saheed he referred to. That was the last time I saw him until I left custody after 12 days.
“About 11 days into my detention, I wrote a letter to a man who was also locked up.
“He recognized the place I described and asked me to write a number, but I only knew my own phone number, which the police had. I asked him to deliver the letter to my family.
“My elder brother, Ganiyu, visited on the second day and I asked him to bail me out as I hadn’t seen Saheed. During my time in the cell, I spoke to a man from Sabo who said the people who took him from Oke-Ijemo also took Saheed. I initially believed Saheed was still in Oke-Ijemo until we learned of his death.
“The people I interacted with in the cell were transferred from Oke-Ijemo, and some were taken to court. They called Saheed out on February 5th, the fifth day we were there, and took him away on February 9th. There were usually around 30 of us in the cell, as some were taken to court or bailed. We were not provided with any food during my 14-15 days there.”
… Legal Advocate Demands Justice
While speaking with PLATFORM TIMES, Sandra Abien, a prominent legal practitioner lamented that Saheed and his brother were apprehended in the dead of night, around 3:00 am, while they were asleep in their home at Oke Sokori.
She said the arresting officers, purportedly from Zone 2 in Onikan, Lagos, took them to the SWAT office at Magbon.
The lawyer said the policemen ransacked the house and allegedly resorted to physical violence against one of Saheed’s brothers, while also menacing their elderly father.
According to her, adding insult to injury, the officers reportedly seized a significant sum of money amounting to #680,000 from Saheed’s room, intended for his cow business.
She said the family was frustrated and desperate for answers and turned to her for assistance.
She added that despite encountering resistance from law enforcement officials, Abien said she persisted in her pursuit of justice.
She recounts her relentless efforts, including visits to the Elewe-eran police state headquarters and appeals to the Deputy Commissioner’s office, in her quest to locate Saheed.
She said that she was later told that Sahees died while being taken to a hospital .
According to her, the police claimed that Saheed, known by the nickname “Yaro,” had passed away under mysterious circumstances.
Shockingly, they attributed his death to possible mental health issues or the consequences of illicit oaths taken by cultists.
Determined to uncover the truth, Abien said she continued her investigation, demanding transparency and accountability from the authorities.
She stated that she pressed for access to Saheed’s body and medical records, challenging the official narrative surrounding his death.
She explained that amid mounting pressure, the mortuary attendant revealed troubling details about Saheed’s condition upon arrival, contradicting the police’s account.
The lawyer narrated “the issue concerning Saheed is indeed a tragic one. According to the story, he was arrested with his brother at their house around 3:00 am in Oke Sokori while they were asleep. The men who conducted the arrest identified themselves as officers from Zone 2, Onikan, Lagos.
“Upon their arrest, they were taken to the SWAT office at Magbon. At Magbon, it was reported that they returned with Saheed and thoroughly searched his room, even inspecting the ceiling.
“ They also assaulted one of their brothers and threatened their elderly father. During the search, they confiscated the sum of #680,000 from Saheed’s room, which was intended for purchasing cows as he was involved in the cattle business.
“After being taken to the SWAT office and handed over for an anti-cultism session at Elewe-eran at 2:00 pm on the same day, the family went to both locations but were informed that Saheed and his brother were not in custody.
“ Subsequently, they contacted me for assistance. I also visited Elewe-eran, where the anti-cultism section initially refused to assist me.
“ However, upon my insistence, they checked their records and confirmed that both Abass Adeleye and Saheed Adeleye were indeed in custody but were not available for visitation.
“ The following day, during Abass’s arraignment, it was revealed that Saheed was no longer in the cell, and his whereabouts were unknown. We were advised to check the anti-cultism annex at Ijemo, where we were told they might be.
“ Alongside Abass, Ganiyu, and Saheed’s wife, we went to the annex but were informed that they were not there and were directed to the SWAT office where they were allegedly taken.
“At the SWAT office, we requested Abass’s phone, as well as the recovered items, but were informed that the Zone 2 team was unavailable.
“ Despite intending to return the following Friday, we did not, as our focus remained on locating Saheed. Continuously visiting Elewe-eran yielded no results as they consistently denied knowledge of Saheed’s whereabouts.
“Consequently, I decided to escalate the matter by seeking an audience with the Deputy Commissioner (D.C.).
“After explaining the situation to his P.A., a note was issued to Bunmi downstairs, leading to discussions between Bunmi and the D.C.’s office. Subsequently, we were informed that Saheed was not a familiar name to them. However, upon discovering his nickname “YARO,” they suggested he might be a notorious cultist they recently apprehended. Promising to provide updates, they requested my patience.
“The following day, the O.C. contacted me, revealing that they knew Saheed as “YARO,” a notorious cultist who had provided crucial information upon his arrest.
“Urged to return in the evening, I complied. However, upon arrival, the O.C. was unavailable, and I was attended to by his deputy who informed me that Saheed, known as “YARO,” had allegedly died in custody due to erratic behaviour, possibly induced by the effects of sworn oaths.
“Disputing this claim, I reached out to Ganiyu, who confirmed that Saheed did not have any mental health issues.
“Despite reassurances of a thorough explanation the next day, questions remained, including the location of Saheed’s body.
“The following day, accompanied by Ganiyu, we were informed of Saheed’s alleged involvement in cult activities, his deteriorating health while in custody, and his subsequent demise on the way to the hospital.
“The family was also briefed on the circumstances surrounding his death. Unsatisfied, I persisted in seeking an audience with the D.C., who delegated the matter to his assistant, Mr. Lawal.
“ Expressing surprise at the news, Mr. Lawal summoned the O.C. for clarification, who reiterated the events leading to Saheed’s death.
“Apologies were extended, and I was urged to persuade the family to accept the explanation.
“ Additionally, I obtained the contact information of the mortuary attendant who provided further insights into the handling of Saheed’s body.
“Collaborating with the attendant, arrangements were made for the family to view Saheed’s remains, ensuring transparency in the investigation
… We Demand Justice Over Death Of Sahees -Family
In a heart-wrenching account, Ganiyu Adeleye, the family head representative recounted his frantic search for his brothers, a search that he said took him to multiple police stations across Abeokuta.
According to Ganiu,th search commenced from Ibara to Zone 2, Magbon to Oke-Ijemo, and Elewe-eran, each visit yielded only frustration and confusion as authorities denied any knowledge of the whereabouts of Abass and Saheed.
Desperate for assistance, Ganiyu said he enlisted the help of his family lawyer, Sandra, whose presence added a glimmer of hope to their quest for justice.
He said together, they persistently returned to the police stations, only to be met with indifference and obstruction from officers who claimed no records of the missing brothers.
He said however, a breakthrough came in the form of a phone call from someone who claimed to have seen Abass and Saheed in detention.
He said this revelation reignited Ganiyu’s determination, prompting him to redouble his efforts in locating his brothers.
According to him, yet, even with this new lead, the journey was far from over. A mysterious letter purportedly written by Abass himself revealed that he was being held at the Elewe-eran station, adding another layer of confusion to an already convoluted situation.
He added that the involvement of Lawyer Sandra, coupled with the unwavering support of family members, including Saheed’s wife, provided a beacon of hope amid the darkness of uncertainty.
He said their persistence eventually led them to Abass, who was among other detainees at Elewe-eran, shedding light on the whereabouts of one brother while leaving Saheed’s fate still uncertain.
For the Adeleye family, what began as a routine police operation turned into a nightmare of uncertainty and despair. With one brother found but the other still missing, their quest for justice continues, fueled by the unwavering determination to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
He narrated “on the 4th of February 2024, the head of our family called me to inform me that the police came to arrest my brothers at midnight.
“When day broke, we needed to know which police station they were taken to. We went to Ibara and Zone 2 police stations but could not find them there. The third person arrested with them said they were taken home, snapped, and their pictures sent somewhere.
“ When we reached Magbon, the police said there was nobody by that name there. Abbas’s wife and Saheed’s friend accompanied me to the station, but we left without success. Someone suggested it might be Oke-Ijemo because of a police station there. We visited but found no one by the names Abass and Saheed Adeleye.
“ The next day, we went to Elewe-eran but found no one there either. On the third day, feeling weak and sick, I remained in bed. When I finally got up, I returned to Elewe-eran, only to find the officers in charge were not yet present.
“On the 8th of February, I involved my lawyer, Sandra. I explained the situation, and she advised me to return the next day. On the 9th of February, we went together. To our surprise, the police claimed they had no records of Abass Adeleye and Saheed Adeleye.
“‘On the 14th of February, while on my way home, a man informed me that one of my brothers sent a letter through someone, stating he was in Elewe-eran. This was Abass’s handwriting. Perplexed, I contacted Lawyer Sandra, and we returned to the station. We encountered a woman at the anti-cultism section who reviewed the letter and confiscated it, stating the rest were not present. After some time, an officer attended to me, and the woman instructed me to buy food before seeing them. When they called, only Abass was brought out, and I inquired about Saheed. It was revealed that Saheed had been taken on the fourth day.
“The lawyer insisted Abass be charged to court, but there were delays. Eventually, we took a bike to Elewe-eran and found Abass among other detainees. An officer named Akin provided his number.
“Someone greeted me three times, saying “Eku-Inawo.” They accused Abass of serious crimes, which surprised me as they had been sleeping in front of their doorless and gateless house at Number 34, Oke-Sokori, before the arrest. Abass mentioned that someone from Oke-Ijemo was involved in the transfer of Saheed.
“The lawyer realised something was amiss, and we visited the station daily. One day, the lawyer expressed a desire to see the Inspector General, and Saheed’s wife joined us on that occasion.
… Deceased ‘s Family Should be Patient -PPRO
When contacted , the Police Public Relations Officer in the state,Omolola Odutola pleaded with the family to exercise patience .
Odutola said “We are very transparent and our roles are separate in Eleweran. I just saw the soft copy now from you, I will call attention of the CP to it after the holiday. But I plead that the complainant come to my office.”
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