Samuel Akingboye, the first son of the late Social Democratic Party governorship candidate in Ondo state,Otunba Bamidele Akingboye, has called on the Inspector General of Police to assume direct oversight of the circumstances surrounding the tragic and suspicious death of his father.
Samuel in a statement issued and made available to vanguard in Akure, also said that the Lagos police command must ensure transparency through, “mmediate release of the autopsy report to the complainants, release of all CCTV evidence in police custody, explanation for repeated reassignment of case units.
He equally wanted “immediate compliance with the DPP’s official request and upholding professional integrity and proving assurance against interference or bias in the matter.
The statement was entitled ” NINE WEEKS AFTER MY FATHER’S DEATH: MATTERS ARISING.
Samuel said ” l address the public today with a heavy heart, compelled by circumstances surrounding my father’s tragic and suspicious death, and the disturbing chain of events that have followed.
He gave chronological events that led to his father’s death to include that “On September 3rd, 2025, around 7:00 a.m., I woke up to see repeated calls from my security detail on my phone. I immediately called him back, only to be told of a distress call that my father was dead. He said he had been informed by phone by one of my stepbrothers, Melvin. This shocked me deeply as I had been with him the previous day.
“I rushed down from my house, and upon arriving at the hospital, the condition of his body contradicted the account given about his death. The physical injuries observed on his body differed sharply from the explanation presented to me.
“Requests to my stepmother and stepbrothers for clarity on the circumstances leading to his death yielded inconsistent and incoherent responses.
“Following medical advice, I began the process of depositing my father’s body at the morgue, collecting the official medical report and death certificate as required.
“Due to emerging scenarios, contradicting narratives, and rising suspicion, I proposed an autopsy to ascertain the true cause of death, (moreso, when they all claimed they didn’t know exactly what killed him or how he died,) a decision eventually accepted by all of us.
“To proceed, a formal police report was filed. After reviewing preliminary facts, officers advised that the matter required investigation beyond an ordinary autopsy.
“When police officers first attempted to visit the VGC residence where my father passed away to gather statements, they were resisted and denied access
“The following day, officers returned with reinforcements and entered the residence. Statements were taken, and the scene was initially assessed under the Ajah Police Division.
” Due to the sensitivity and seriousness of the case coupled with public concern following widespread circulation of distressing images and allegations online, the case was moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba for further investigation.
“Led by a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in charge of the SCID, the Homicide Unit and forensic experts visited the scene, collected samples, and launched a deeper inquiry.
” CCTV footage was recovered from a neighboring residence along with forensic samples from the scene.
“Autopsy proceedings were conducted in the presence of representatives from both sides of the family (myself and a person for those at the residence at the time of incident).
“The initial CCTV evidence reportedly contradicted earlier claims given by household members concerning the events of the night and early morning.
“This led to further summons of residents including domestic staff and security at the house during the incident for questioning. This also was met with hostility and violence displayed by my stepmother and her children at the SCID, after which they were detained and released following the orders of the CP. Thereafter, authorities advised patience pending autopsy results.
” Upon completion of the autopsy, the Lagos Commissioner of Police refused communicating the findings to me as the complainant till date and for nearly a week delayed acknowledging the autopsy report.
“When I was eventually invited, I discovered that the opposing side had already been engaged earlier, without explanation. They had reportedly visited the CP’s office on Tuesday, while I was invited on Friday. The rationale behind this approach remains a mystery, in that, I had the impression that both parties should be on seat to get briefing from the CP on the result and other findings.
” Instead of releasing the autopsy findings as expected, the CP announced the creation of a review panel to be headed by an Assistant Commissioner of Police and transferred the case again, this time from SCID a relatively higher authority and specialized department to the Anti Kidnapping Unit in Surulere to restart the investigation afresh, a move we find deeply troubling considering the time already invested and forensic evidence gathered, as well as the illogicalities involved in the move.
“Despite a one week timeline promised by the CP to reveal the outcomes of all investigations and the autopsy result, several more weeks passed with no update or official communication from the police.
“Credible information indicates that a request for case files and updates from the Police (letter received by CP since October) by the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has not received a due response and has not been acknowledged to the complainant.
“I maintain that the CCTV footage and post mortem findings reportedly point to violent circumstances surrounding my father’s death suggesting an obvious case of murder. If there is nothing to conceal, I call for these to be released immediately and transparently.
” I also express deep concern over what appears to be an attempt to frustrate, dilute, or divert the investigation.
Samuel alleged Personal assets, including vehicles, have reportedly been removed from the family residence in VGC to unknown locations.
He added that ” I have received direct and indirect death threats owing to my pursuit of truth concerning my father’s death.
“I therefore make clear this public warning as his first child: anyone who tries to loot, transact, including buying or selling any of the properties, estates, or valuables linked to Otunba Bamidele Akingboye (OBA), or any of his companies, is doing so at his or her peril.
” We have an inventory of all assets, and we will do what is needful at the right time. I implore the public to desist from dealing with anyone in this regard until we finish this investigation and lay him to rest. We will then address that matter.
” I am making a public appeal for support, protection, and intervention from Nigerians, institutions, and human rights defenders.
” I specifically appeal to His Excellency, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, to intervene in this matter concerning one of the state’s illustrious sons.
” My father was not just a public figure; he was a human being, a patriot, a provider, and a voice for many. He deserves justice. Our family deserves truth. Society deserves accountability.
“I speak today not in malice, but in grief, responsibility, and the pursuit of justice.
No matter how long it takes, I will stand firm until justice prevails.
He appealed ” to Civil Society Organizations, Legal and Human Rights Bodies to lend voice and support. The media, the public, and concerned Nigerians should also stay engaged until justice is served.