In a heartbreaking incident on July 24, 2024, Irewoletomiwa Oni, a single mother and caterer from Ogun State, experienced a life-altering tragedy. What should have been a routine journey home from an event took a devastating turn when police officers stopped her vehicle along the Obasanjo-Itele-Ota Road. A dispute over money escalated, leading to a police officer opening fire, which left Irewoletomiwa with severe injuries, including a destroyed womb and damage to her digestive system.
Her family’s fight for justice has been met with disappointment, as despite initial promises from the former state commissioner that her medical expenses would be covered, they claim that no financial assistance has been provided. Desperate and abandoned, they’ve reached out to higher authorities, but their efforts have been met with silence.
Irewoletomiwa had been returning home from a catering event when the officers demanded money. Lacking cash, she proposed making a mobile bank transfer, but her suggestion was dismissed. Moments later, gunshots rang out, and she passed out. When she regained consciousness several days later, she learned that she had undergone surgery, during which parts of her intestines had been removed, and her womb had been irreparably damaged. “My life feels like a dead zone,” she tearfully expressed.
Now unable to walk freely or return to her work, Irewoletomiwa lives in constant physical and emotional distress. Advised to seek treatment abroad, she remains unable to afford the necessary medical care, causing her ongoing suffering. "I can’t even afford my medications properly. I have to skip doses again and again," she said.
Her father, Segun Oni, recalls receiving the devastating news. A friend of the family informed him, and he rushed to the hospital where he found his daughter in critical condition. Shortly thereafter, the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) at the Itele police station confirmed that the officers involved had confessed. The DCO took immediate action, removing the officer responsible and arranging for Irewoletomiwa’s transfer to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).
Despite assurances from the former Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, that medical expenses would be reimbursed, Segun’s family has received little help. He presented the police with receipts totaling N4.8 million for his daughter’s treatment, but no significant financial support followed. “He said every kobo would be reimbursed, but by September, I couldn’t continue,” Segun explained. Despite multiple visits and numerous letters sent to both the police and the state governor, no further assistance has been forthcoming.
In response, Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Odutola, confirmed the force’s awareness of the incident, acknowledging the initial response by the former CP, including a financial contribution to the family. However, with the former CP now retired, Segun claims that he has been unable to reach the new leadership for further assistance.
In a last-ditch effort, Segun sent letters to the Inspector General of Police and the state governor, but received no response. The Oni family continues to fight for justice, with no tangible support or resolution in sight.
While the Ogun State Police assert that they have not abandoned Irewoletomiwa and plan to visit her soon to assess her health, the family’s experience reflects a broader issue of inadequate support and accountability for victims of police violence. Irewoletomiwa’s struggle remains ongoing as she fights for both her physical recovery and the justice she deserves.
