The family of Monday Joseph is asking the Ondo State Government and police authorities to look into the troubling circumstances surrounding his death while in the custody of the Ondo State Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun.
According to a petition sent to the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the Inspector General of Police, Joseph’s relatives believe he died as a result of torture while being held at the Amotekun facility in Owo.
Their lawyer, Mr. Ibukun Fasanmi, submitted the petition, saying the 35-year-old man was allegedly detained and later died from injuries he sustained during his time in custody. The family has demanded a full investigation, a proper autopsy, and legal action against those responsible. They also noted that Joseph was the breadwinner of his family and a law-abiding citizen.
In the petition, the family explained that Joseph’s body is currently at the morgue of the Federal Medical Centre in Owo. They urged the authorities to treat the case seriously, pointing out that the Amotekun Corps, as a legal body created by the state, must act within the bounds of the law.
The petition further stated: “We also crave that your Excellency use your good offices to investigate this matter because Ondo State Security Network Agency (codenamed Amotekun Corps) is a creation of the law and must be subject to other positive laws governing our lives and activities as citizens of Nigeria regardless of our origin.”
The family noted that ignoring the matter could lead to unrest among friends and community members of the deceased, who are already angry and considering taking justice into their own hands.
“We hereby call for investigation, autopsy and prosecution of the untrained Amotekun Officer Lati and his men for the gruesome murder committed against Monday Joseph who until the time of his death was the breadwinner of his family and a Nigerian citizen,” the petition added.
They insist the matter should not be overlooked, stressing that such deaths raise serious concerns about accountability and respect for human rights. “The gruesome murder and death of Monday Joseph is one too many that cannot be swept under the carpet or allowed to go uninvestigated and or punished…”
However, the Amotekun Commander in the state, Adetunji Adeleye, denied all allegations of torture. According to him, Joseph was arrested due to his involvement in cult-related activities and became sick while in detention. He said the officers took him to a hospital where he later died.
“Nobody tortured him (deceased). He was arrested for cult-related activities. He took ill while in detention. He was rushed to the hospital where he died,” Adeleye said.
