Christiana Akingboye, widow of the late businessman and politician Bamidele Akingboye, has accused the Lagos State Police Command of unlawfully releasing her husband’s body and mishandling critical evidence, despite the family being cleared of any wrongdoing by the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Speaking at a press conference over the weekend, Mrs. Akingboye appealed to President Bola Tinubu, the Senate, and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to intervene in what she described as “a deliberate marginalisation of the deceased’s immediate family.” She alleged that the police actions following her husband’s death amounted to an abuse of power and a breach of due process.
“The DPP cleared my children and me of any wrongdoing. Once that advice was issued, there was no criminal justification for any further interference by the police,” she said.
According to the widow, confidential documents, including the DPP’s legal advice, were leaked online and circulated by a foreign-based blogger before the police officially communicated the outcome of the investigation to her family.
“The police have not formally informed us of the investigation’s conclusion. We only read about it online,” she added.
Mrs. Akingboye further accused the police of mishandling her late husband’s personal belongings. She explained that officers collected his mobile phones and medications as evidence. However, the phones were later released to her estranged stepson, while the medications remain unreturned.
“Repeated demands by our lawyers for the return of my husband’s personal effects have been ignored. This raises serious concerns about investigative protocol and the chain of custody,” she said.
The widow also highlighted a lack of communication from the police. Despite formal letters to the Lagos State Police Command and the morgue warning that her husband’s body and personal effects should not be released without the consent of the immediate family or a valid court order, the police allegedly failed to follow proper procedures.
“Officers at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, invited both parties to a meeting on January 23, 2026. The only issue resolved was the return of our passports. The police promised another meeting to address the remaining issues, but it never happened,” she said.
She added that the family later learned, through an external source, that her husband’s remains had been quietly released to her estranged stepson and unknown persons without notice or consent from the immediate family, and without any court order.
Citing the Coroner’s System Law of Lagos State, Mrs. Akingboye stressed that the role of the police is strictly investigatory and ends after the post-mortem examination and issuance of legal advice by the DPP.
“After the family was exonerated, the police had no lawful authority to release my husband’s body to third parties,” she said.
The widow claimed that her estranged stepson received preferential treatment while she and her children were deliberately kept in the dark. “Several petitions were written to the IGP, yet no action was taken to restrain these actions or ensure accountability,” she said.
Mrs. Akingboye also expressed concerns for her safety and that of her children. She called on President Tinubu, the Senate Committee on Ethics and Public Petitions, and the IGP to order an independent investigation into the matter.
“Nigeria must not allow power to override justice, even in death,” she said.
Bamidele Akingboye, a businessman and politician, passed away under circumstances that prompted a police investigation. His death attracted public attention due to his political influence and the high-profile nature of his family.
Following investigations, the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions cleared Mrs. Akingboye and her children of any wrongdoing. This legal clearance is significant because it limits the scope of police intervention. Under Nigerian law, once the DPP provides legal advice clearing the family, the police are expected to conclude their investigatory role.
However, the widow alleges that this legal framework was ignored, resulting in the unlawful release of her husband’s body and mishandling of evidence. The controversy has raised questions about police accountability and respect for due process in Lagos State.
Mrs. Akingboye’s appeal highlights broader concerns about the conduct of law enforcement agencies in Nigeria, particularly in high-profile cases. Legal experts say that when the police fail to adhere to statutory limits, it undermines public confidence in the justice system.
“The family’s claim, if verified, shows the need for clear operational protocols in cases involving post-mortem examinations and the handling of deceased individuals’ properties. Transparency and accountability are essential to prevent abuse of power,” a legal analyst commented.
The widow’s press conference has drawn attention from the public, particularly regarding the alleged preferential treatment of her estranged stepson. Nigerians on social media and in public forums have expressed concern over the situation, noting that no family should feel powerless in matters surrounding the death of a loved one.
Christiana Akingboye is urging federal authorities, including the President and the IGP, to intervene and ensure an independent investigation is conducted. She hopes that such intervention will clarify the circumstances surrounding her husband’s death, the release of his body, and the handling of his personal belongings.
“As a nation, we must uphold justice and ensure that even the families of the deceased are treated with dignity and fairness,” Mrs. Akingboye said.
The Lagos State Police Command has not officially responded to the widow’s allegations as of the time of this report. However, the case has sparked debate on social media and in local communities, with many calling for stricter adherence to investigative protocols and family rights.