The police commissioner in Lagos, Olohundare Jimoh, has ordered a forensic investigation into the death of former Ondo governorship candidate, Bamidele Akingboye.

The order followed the circulation of a disturbing photograph of his body on social media, purportedly showing bruises on his head and raising doubts about the real cause of death. The image has sparked suspicion that Mr Akingboye’s death may not have been natural, contradicting earlier reports that he died peacefully at his VGC residence in Lagos on Wednesday.

Human rights advocates have urged the police to ensure a thorough, transparent, and credible investigation that will determine the actual circumstances surrounding Akingboye’s death.

In a post on its official X handle, @LagosPoliceNG, on Sunday, the command confirmed that CP Jimoh had directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct an investigation.

“The commissioner has instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, SCID, to discreetly investigate the death,” the statement said.

It added that detectives, supported by the command’s Crime Scene Investigation vehicle, had visited the residence where Akingboye’s body was discovered.

According to the command, the area has been cordoned off while forensic experts employ specialised tools and methods to gather evidence and analyse the circumstances.

Mr Akingboye, the former Social Democratic Party candidate, contested the November 2024 Ondo governorship election but lost to the incumbent, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress.

(NAN)