Conduct inquest into death of artisan in police cell, Falana tells chief coroner

Lagos lawyer and human rights activist, Femi Falana, has urged the chief coroner of the Lagos High Court to order for a thorough investigation to unravel the circumstance surrounding the death in police custody of an Ibadan artisan, Olaoluwa Bolarinwa, 41.

The artisan was said to have been arrested and detained six weeks ago by operatives of the Inspector General of Police Special Tactical Squad (STS), Ayobo, Lagos, on the ground that they needed him to lead them to one of his friends, who they alleged to be an armed robber.

Falana made the request for an inquest yesterday in a letter he addressed to the chief coroner, High Court of Lagos State, and signed on behalf of his chambers by Taiwo Olawale.

The Bolarinwa family had cried out following the controversial death of Bolarinwa in STS custody about six weeks after he was said to have been arrested.

In the letter to the chief coroner, Falana said the family had instructed the chamber to report Bolarinwa’s death.

“Since the family heard of the death, they have requested the head of the IGP Tactical Squad located at Ayobo, Lagos State, to release the body for an autopsy, but all entreaties fell on deaf ear.

“In view of the foregoing, we have the instruction of our clients to humbly request Your Lordship to conduct an inquest into the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of the said Mr. Olaoluwa Bolarinwa,” the letter stated.