Irate youths have set ablaze a police division in Ifon, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State following the alleged torture and death of a young man in police custody.
Reports indicate that the crisis erupted after a fight broke out between two young men on Friday. One of them reported the altercation to the police, leading to the arrest of both parties. However, by Saturday, one of the detained individuals had reportedly died, while the other was hospitalized in critical condition—allegedly due to police brutality.
Outraged by the incident, local youths took to the streets in protest, storming the police station and allegedly chasing away officers before setting the building on fire.
A witness disclosed that the enraged group also torched the home of the individual who had reported the case to the police before proceeding to the station.
“One party reported the fight to the police, leading to the arrest of two individuals from the opposing side. Unfortunately, both were subjected to severe torture, resulting in the death of one while the other remains in a coma,” the source claimed.
In response, the Ondo State Police Command has denied that the deceased passed away in custody, asserting that he died while receiving treatment at a hospital.
During an inspection of the damaged station, Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, condemned the attack and ordered a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and hold those responsible accountable.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Funmi Odunlami, the dispute originated from a family conflict on Ogbomo Street, Ifon, on February 15, 2025. Officers, led by an inspector, reportedly intervened and made arrests, though some suspects managed to escape.
