By DEBORAH AKPEDE

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, has ordered a forensic investigation into the death of former Ondo State governorship candidate, Mr. Bamidele Akingboye.

The order followed circulation of a disturbing photograph of his corpse on social media, purportedly showing bruises on his head and raising doubts about the real cause of death.

The image has sparked suspicion that Akingboye’s death may not have been natural, contradicting earlier reports that he died peacefully at his VGC residence in Lagos on Wednesday.

Human rights advocates have urged the police to ensure a thorough, transparent and credible investigation that will determine the actual circumstances surrounding Akingboye’s death.

In a post on its official X handle, @LagosPoliceNG, on Sunday, the command confirmed that CP Jimoh had directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to investigate.

“The commissioner has instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, SCID, to discreetly investigate the death,” the statement read in part.

It added that detectives, supported by the Command’s Crime Scene Investigation vehicle, had visited the residence where Akingboye’s body was discovered.

According to the command, the area has been cordoned off while forensic experts employ specialised tools and methods to gather evidence and analyze the circumstances.

Akingboye, the former Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, contested the November 2024 Ondo governorship election but lost to the incumbent, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC). (NAN)