A 27-year-old banking and finance graduate, Daniel Adewuyi Tella, was on the brink of beginning his national youth service in 2006 when a routine day turned into a tragedy that remains unresolved.
On February 7, 2006, Daniel was on his way home in Festac, Lagos, when he was stopped and arrested by Nigerian police officers after they allegedly saw money in his possession. According to his family, the police confiscated his savings meant for his national service and subjected him to brutal torture, reportedly in an attempt to extort more money. He died while in police custody.
In an official statement, the police alleged that Daniel sustained injuries after jumping out of a moving police vehicle. However, the account conflicts with physical evidence documented by his family. Photographs of Daniel’s body revealed severe swelling on his face and eyes, along with deep cuts suggestive of physical assault. Notably, there were no injuries on his arms or legs. An autopsy later concluded that the cause of death was “tonsillar herniation secondary to multiple skull fractures,” pointing to violent trauma as the cause.
Adding to the family’s agony, Daniel’s personal belongings, including a gold chain he was wearing at the time of his arrest, were missing when they identified his body. His family alleges that police officers looted his possessions after his death.
Despite the family’s relentless efforts, including filing multiple petitions to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, the Attorney General, and the Commissioner of Justice, there has been no investigation into Daniel’s death, nor have any officers been held accountable.
Amnesty International, which highlighted the incident, continues to call for justice, emphasizing the urgent need for an independent investigation into the case.
Seventeen years later, Daniel Adewuyi Tella’s family remains without answers, justice, or closure. His story serves as a painful reminder of ongoing human rights abuses and the lack of accountability within the Nigerian policing system.
