The Lagos State Chapter of the Take It Back Movement (TIB) has recorded another intervention victory following allegations of police extortion linked to the tragic death of a 14-year-old boy, Pelumi, in the Onipaanu area of Ogun State.
Pelumi’s death, which occurred on Wednesday, had thrown the community into mourning and outrage. According to findings by SaharaReporters, the teenager reportedly took his own life shortly after giving a gift and a love letter to a girl in his neighbourhood.
Recounting the events, Rukayyat, the mother of the girl who received the gift, explained that Pelumi had come to their area around 5pm with a present and a letter addressed to her daughter, Adijat.
“He sent someone to deliver the letter and stood afar. When my daughter saw the gift, she began to ask who sent it. It was in the process that Pelumi, who was standing some distance away, was identified as the ‘gifter’,” she said.
Rukayyat noted that her daughter was surprised, as she did not know the boy and had no relationship with him. Residents around the area, she said, made lighthearted jokes about the situation.
“People around recognised him and jokingly said that since he could send a gift to a girl at such a tender age, he seemed ready to marry,” she added.
She stressed that the exchange was harmless and non-confrontational.
“Before we knew it, he ran away from the place. Around 7pm, we later heard that someone in the area had killed himself. I didn’t even think it was Pelumi because, from all accounts, it was just a minor issue,” Rukayyat said.
She later learned that the boy allegedly took his life out of fear that his mother would punish him for giving a girl a gift and writing a love letter.
However, the tragedy soon took a disturbing turn. Residents accused police officers attached to the Onipaanu Division of the Ogun State Police Command of using the incident as an avenue for extortion and intimidation.
Despite reports that Pelumi’s parents did not wish to pursue the matter, police officers reportedly began making arrests on Thursday.
Rukayyat disclosed that she and her daughter were detained and accused of being responsible for the boy’s death.
“My daughter and I were detained. They said my daughter caused the boy’s death and refused to release us until we paid N30,000,” she said. “How is it our fault? My daughter did not even have any relationship with him.”
According to SaharaReporters, a man who rushed to the scene in an attempt to rescue Pelumi was also arrested and reportedly forced to pay N70,000 for his release. Two women who had earlier teased the boy were equally arrested, with officers allegedly demanding N250,000 each as bail.
A resident condemned the actions of the police, describing them as exploitative.
“The police turned the tragedy into a cash-making venture,” the resident said. “It was just normal jibes. No one harmed or threatened the boy.”
The Ogun State Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, acknowledged enquiries on the matter and promised a response, though none had been issued at the time.
The situation changed following the intervention of the Take It Back Movement Lagos State Chapter.
Providing an update on Monday afternoon, the Lagos State Coordinator of TIB, Adekunle Adeyemi Taofeeq, announced that the victims had been fully refunded.
“I can now confirm that all victims extorted by the police in the case involving the teenager who committed suicide have been fully refunded after Lagos TIB intervention,” he stated.
According to him, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) claimed he was not initially aware of the extortion.
“The DPO stated that he was not aware of the extortion at the time. He has since tendered an apology to all parties involved,” Adeyemi said.
He further revealed that accountability measures would follow.
“I was also informed that the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) who carried out the extortion will face disciplinary action and will be sanctioned,” he added.
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