Command Says Suspect Was Charged With Assault, Malicious Damage
The Oyo State Police Command has denied reports that it arrested and charged a man to court over an outstanding ₦8,000 debt before he allegedly died by suicide.
The Command, in a statement, described the report as false and misleading, saying the suspect was charged with assault and malicious damage arising from a separate incident.
According to the Police, the suspect approached a female POS operator and collected ₦23,000 in cash on the understanding that he would transfer the same amount to her through the POS transaction.
The suspect allegedly left without making the transfer or returning the money. He later refunded ₦15,000, leaving an outstanding ₦8,000, which he allegedly refused to pay.
The Police said the complainant subsequently took possession of the suspect’s mobile phone pending repayment of the balance.
However, on September 8, 2026, at about 10pm, the suspect allegedly went to the complainant’s residence, assaulted her and damaged her Airtel SIM registration machine valued at ₦177,000.
The parties were later brought to the Police Station by vigilantes after community members unsuccessfully attempted to resolve the dispute.
The Police said efforts to settle the matter also failed, as the complainant insisted on pursuing the case in court.
According to the Command, the suspect was consequently charged with assault and malicious damage, not for failing to repay the ₦8,000.
The court granted him bail, but he was subsequently remanded at Agodi Correctional Centre after he could not immediately meet the bail conditions. He was later released after fulfilling the conditions.
The Command also cautioned against linking the suspect’s reported death to the Police case without verified evidence, saying the circumstances surrounding his death should be established through appropriate investigation.