The Campaign for Democracy (CD) expresses deep concern and condemnation over the troubling and suspicious death of Femi Oladele, popularly known as Tallex, while in the custody of the Ondo State Police Command. Tallex was arrested in connection with the heinous kidnap, rape, and murder of two promising students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Andrel Okah of the Department of History and International Studies and John Abba of the Department of Economics, both 200-level students whose lives were tragically and brutally cut short.
The sudden death of the prime suspect while under the watch of the police raises grave concerns about transparency, in the administration of justice in this case. This incident is not only suspicious but fundamentally undermines the very essence of due process and the public’s trust in our criminal justice system. It is particularly worrisome that Tallex, whose arrest had begun to unravel revelations of his involvement in other serious criminal acts, is no longer alive to face justice and potentially expose the broader criminal network involved in these atrocities.
The death of this suspect in custody must not be swept under the carpet. It is not enough for the police to merely announce his demise without a full, independent and transparent inquiry into the exact circumstances that led to his death. The right of the public to the truth cannot be compromised, and the rights of the victims to justice must not be denied.
We, therefore, demand the following without delay: for An immediate, independent, and credible investigation into the death of Femi Oladele while in police custody, with full public disclosure of findings. Furthermore, we want a joint investigative panel comprising members of Security Agencies, Nigeria Medical Association, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the AAUA Community and Civil Society Organizations and ll reputable independent observers to oversee and verify the integrity of the investigation process.
It is also our demand, that any police officer or official found culpable in acts of negligence, misconduct, or deliberate cover-up be brought to justice without delay. Also, the Government of Ondo State and the Office of the Inspector General of Police should provide timely and transparent updates on the progress of the investigation to the families of the deceased students, the AAUA community, and the Nigerian public.
That full justice is pursued not only for the late Andrel Okah and John Abba but for all others who may have fallen victim to Tallex and any criminal enterprise he may have been part of.
The Campaign for Democracy mourns the loss of these innocent students and shares in the grief of their families, friends, and the university community. We reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that their untimely and painful deaths are not in vain. Justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done.
We will not relent in our advocacy until truth prevails and all those responsible for this chain of tragedy, directly or indirectly, are held accountable.
Signed
Comrade Ifeanyi Odili
President
Campaign for Democracy (CD)