A suspected cocoa thief, identified simply as Taofeek, has reportedly died by suicide while in police detention in Agbeye, Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State.

Taofeek, a resident of Agbeye, was said to have been arrested by local volunteers on Monday while allegedly in possession of stolen cocoa seeds.

Following his arrest, he was reportedly taken to the palace of the traditional ruler of the community before being handed over to the police at the Agbeye Police Post.

A resident of the community, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said cocoa theft had become frequent in the area.

The resident said Taofeek’s arrest came as a surprise to some members of the community because he was well known in the area.

He said, “He was arrested by some local volunteers on Monday. He is a known personality in our community and, upon his arrest, he was taken alongside the cocoa seeds he allegedly stole to the palace.

“From there, he was moved to the Agbeye Police Post that same Monday, but early on Tuesday, news filtered in that he was found hanging in police detention.

“I even saw pictures of the dead body. His corpse is still with the police. The matter is causing tension in our town.”

Confirming the incident on Wednesday, the Osun State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the suspect had been detained after being handed over to the police by the community.

He said, “The incident occurred in Agbeye community in Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State. The man involved is simply identified as Taofeek.

“The deceased was apprehended by the community for alleged stealing of cocoa seeds.

“After arresting him, they took him to the monarch of the town, and the king, in turn, instructed that they should hand him over to the police.

“He was taken to the police outpost in Agbeye. On getting there, he was questioned, after which he was detained.

“A few hours later, when the officer went to check him in the cell, he had committed suicide. He committed suicide inside the cell.”

On the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death, Ojelabi said the police officer in charge of the outpost had been interrogated.

He, however, said no arrest had been made in connection with the incident, adding that the deceased’s remains had yet to be claimed by his relatives.

Ojelabi added, “We are taking necessary steps to interrogate the officer in question, but our investigation so far shows that it is a case of suicide, and the family has been contacted.

“We are still discussing with the family to know how we are going to handle the matter.”

The PPRO also said the command was unaware of reports that the deceased had been humiliated by those who arrested him before he was handed over to the police.

“We don’t know if he was paraded across town before he was brought to the station,” Ojelabi added. (The PUNCH, but headline amended)