A police station in Ifon, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, was set on fire by an angry mob following the alleged death of a young man in police custody.
Eyewitnesses claimed the victim, identified as Tobi Bobade, was arrested and later died due to alleged torture by officers. Outraged by his death, his friends and other youths in the community stormed the police station, forced officers to flee, and set the building ablaze. Protesters also took to the streets to show their anger over the incident.
However, the Ondo State Police Command has denied any wrongdoing, stating that Bobade did not die in their custody but passed away while receiving medical treatment at a hospital.
According to the spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, Funmi Odunlami, the incident began on February 15, 2025, after a fight broke out between two families on Ogbomo Street in Ifon.
“Officers from Ifon Division, led by an Inspector, responded promptly, intervened, and made arrests while some suspects fled,” Odunlami said.
She added that Bobade was later brought to the police station by a man identified as Mr. Losilosi, but officers noticed he was weak and immediately took him to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. His body has been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, for an autopsy.
Following news of his death, a group of irate youths, allegedly led by Bobade’s father, launched an attack on the police station, destroying properties before setting it on fire.
“The administrative office, the DPO’s office, the station store, and two exhibit vehicles were destroyed in the inferno caused by the mob,” Odunlami said.
Security personnel later called for reinforcements to prevent further violence. Fortunately, no lives were lost during the attack.
Ondo State Police Commissioner, Wilfred Afolabi, visited the scene to assess the damage and condemned the mob’s actions. He ordered a full investigation into both the circumstances of Bobade’s death and the attack on the station, promising that those responsible would face justice.
“Such acts of lawlessness will not be tolerated,” Afolabi warned. “All those responsible for this criminal act will face the full weight of the law.”
He urged residents to remain calm and allow the authorities to handle the matter, assuring that updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
