25-year-old farmer dies in police cell in Nigeria
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Vanguard
Peter Igbang, a 25-year-old Nigerian farmer, died in a police cell after his arrest over the alleged theft of plantains in Ipara, Ogun State. Police cited suicide, but the family and community leaders dispute the account and denounce a delay in informing relatives, Vanguard reports.
Peter Igbang, a 25-year-old farmer, died in custody at a police station in Ogun State, Nigeria, after his arrest over the alleged theft of plantains. Police said he hanged himself in his cell using his clothes, the Vanguard newspaper reported.
Igbang was arrested on Saturday 17 October as he was returning from his farm, according to his family. His relatives said they received no official notification for four days. His mother, Gift Joseph, said she learnt of her son’s arrest on 20 October, the day she was informed of his death. She disputes the circumstances given by police and is seeking explanations.
The family said the young man owned a six-acre farm where he grew cassava and plantains. A former apprentice mechanic, he turned to farming after his relatives were unable to finance the opening of a workshop. According to Vanguard, Nigerian law requires suspects to be brought before a court within 24 to 48 hours.
