A police station in Ifon, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, has been set ablaze by enraged youths following the alleged death of a young man in police custody.
Local sources claim the victim was tortured to death after his arrest, provoking his associates to storm the station. The mob reportedly forced the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and other officers to flee before burning down the building. The demonstrators also marched through the town in protest.
However, the Ondo State Police Command denied that the young man died in custody, insisting he passed away while receiving medical treatment at a hospital.
Ondo State Police Commissioner Wilfred Afolabi, during an inspection of the damage, condemned the attack and ordered a comprehensive investigation to uncover the facts and hold those responsible accountable.
According to police spokesperson Funmi Odunlami, the events were triggered by a dispute between two families on Ogbomo Street, Ifon, which escalated into a violent confrontation on February 15, 2025.
Officers from the Ifon Division, led by an Inspector, intervened and made arrests while some suspects escaped. Odunlami explained that Tobi Bobade, one of the young men involved, was brought to the station by a man identified as Mr. Losilosi.
“He appeared weak and was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention but was later pronounced dead while receiving treatment,” she stated. His body has been transferred to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, for an autopsy.
