Autopsy Confirms Ex-Ondo Governorship Candidate Akingboye Was Murdered

The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed that former Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in Ondo State, Bamidele Akingboye, was murdered, putting an end to months of speculation and opening a new phase in the investigation that has already drawn in several family members and aides.

Akingboye, a respected politician and businessman, died on September 3 under circumstances that initially appeared unclear. His body was reportedly discovered in the backyard of his Victoria Garden City residence in Lagos, prompting immediate suspicion within his family. His eldest son, Samuel, who resides in Ondo State, was the first to alert the police and demand a comprehensive inquiry into his father’s death.

Since then, detectives at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, have been piecing together events leading up to the tragedy, interviewing multiple members of the family and staff as part of what police described as a “deliberate and careful” investigation.

When Channels Television contacted the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olorundare Jimoh, he confirmed that the long-awaited autopsy report—conducted on September 11—had finally provided forensic clarity. According to him, the toxicology and pathological analysis ruled out natural causes and pointed instead to a deliberate act, prompting the command to move decisively.

Seven Family Members Back in Custody After Autopsy Findings

In the wake of the results, seven out of the fourteen family members earlier invited for questioning were re-arrested and detained for further interrogation. These individuals, alongside aides who had frequent access to the late politician, were among the first set of people to face scrutiny after police uncovered several inconsistencies in their statements.

Part of what initially drew detectives’ attention was a suspicious transfer of ₦50 million from the deceased’s account shortly before his death. Investigators discovered that the money, allegedly moved by some immediate family members, had been shared among a small group within the household. The transaction raised enough concern to make it a central piece of the early inquiry, alongside other issues that police have kept out of public view.

Read also: Police Arrest Suspected Gun Maker, Two Others In Ondo

CP Jimoh noted that with the toxicology report now concluded, the police were preparing to consolidate their findings and move the case forward. “We await legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution so that prosecution can commence against anyone found culpable of murder,” he said, emphasising the command’s commitment to seeing the investigation through.

Family Maintains Confidence as Police Prepare Next Steps

Before the release of the autopsy results, Channels Television had visited the crime scene and interviewed several family members, many of whom insisted that they wanted a thorough investigation. Some expressed concerns about initial media reports, arguing that the true circumstances had not yet been established.

Their appeal for transparency appeared to align with the police commissioner’s assurance that the case would be treated with “full investigative integrity,” regardless of the individuals involved.

The police have maintained tight control over information surrounding the case, refusing to disclose specific findings beyond what is necessary for public awareness. Sources within the SCID describe the investigation as “complex,” citing family relationships, financial disagreements, and conflicting accounts that detectives are still working to untangle.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecution is expected to review the police file and issue formal advice that will determine who is to be charged and with what offences. Investigators say the DPP’s input will be crucial in shaping the next steps, especially in a case where multiple people may have played different roles.

A Case That Continues to Raise Questions

For many observers, Akingboye’s death remains both shocking and unsettling. His political career, marked by bold campaigns and strong grassroots support in Ondo State, earned him a wide network of associates across the Southwest. The news that he did not die a natural death but was murdered inside his home has only intensified public interest.

His son Samuel continues to push for justice, insisting that the outcome of the investigation must honour his father’s legacy and bring clarity to a death that has shaken the family.

As the police await the DPP’s legal direction, CP Jimoh has restated the command’s resolve to pursue the case to its logical conclusion. “We are committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring that justice is served,” he said.

With several family members and aides still in custody and the forensic evidence now firmly in place, the case is moving into a decisive phase, one that could soon determine who, among those closest to the late politician, will face charges for his murder.