The family of a 46-year-old Ondo State businessman, Kayode Akinbolusere, has called for a thorough investigation into his death, alleging that circumstances surrounding a video he recorded shortly before his demise raised suspicions of possible foul play.
Akinbolusere, popularly known as Tolufe and owner of Esther Estate, reportedly died on Thursday after allegedly ingesting a poisonous substance at his office in Igba, Ondo State.
In a video circulated on social media before his death, the businessman spoke about his personal and business struggles and declared that he was leaving his properties to his wife, Esther, and their three children residing in Canada. He also claimed that nobody pressured him into making the decision.
However, his uncle, Femi Akinbolusere, said the family was not convinced that the businessman made the video voluntarily, insisting that its contents and manner of delivery warranted closer scrutiny by security agencies.
Speaking in an interview with Saturday PUNCH, Femi questioned the deceased’s repeated use of the word 'surrender' while discussing his properties, arguing that the expression suggested the possibility of coercion.
He said, “You heard all he said, laughing that he surrendered. Is that a gift to anybody? Is that a will? It was as if somebody was behind his seat pointing a gun at him. How can somebody say I am surrendering everything to my wife and three children?”
The uncle urged the police to subject the video to forensic examination and investigate everyone who might have had contact with the businessman before his death. He also called for an autopsy to establish the actual cause of death.
Femi further questioned the circumstances surrounding the deceased’s comments about his wife, arguing that the issues raised in the video should not be treated as conclusive evidence of what led to his death. He maintained that the police should invite relevant persons for questioning as part of the investigation.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command said its preliminary findings had not revealed evidence of foul play, although investigations into the incident had commenced. The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
According to the police, Akinbolusere, who resided at Road 7, Housing Estate, Igba, was found dead in his office near BOVAS Petrol Station at about 3pm on Thursday. Officers from the Bolorunduro Division who visited the scene recovered two empty bottles suspected to have contained Sniper insecticide from a nearby bush.
The police spokesperson added that the deceased had allegedly recorded a video before his death in which he spoke about his life challenges. His remains were subsequently taken to the State Hospital mortuary for preservation and further examination.
Jimoh said no visible marks of violence were observed on the body during the initial examination, adding that the investigation would establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
