Owukpa community demands justice over death of 52-year-old truck driver in Abuja police custody

By Benedicta Aboh

The Owukpa community in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State has demanded justice over the death of a 52-year-old truck driver, Jeremiah Agbo, following his detention at a police station in Dei Dei, Abuja.

Agbo, according to accounts from his family, died after he was allegedly assaulted while in police custody following a road accident involving his truck and a woman’s car along the Kubwa–Dei Dei Expressway.

The family said Agbo had reported himself at the Dei Dei Police Station after the accident, where an agreement was reached for him to pay the woman ₦540,000 as compensation at the rate of ₦100,000 monthly.

According to the account, Agbo incurred about ₦210,000 in towing expenses, which delayed the commencement of the repayment. His truck was subsequently held by the police for about five months before he sold it for ₦300,000 and paid the entire proceeds to the woman, leaving a balance of ₦240,000.

The family said that on Thursday, August 6, 2026, Agbo reached an agreement with the investigating police officer to pay ₦100,000 towards the outstanding balance. However, as his bank had closed for the day, he was unable to withdraw the money.

It was alleged that when Agbo returned to the police station, an officer detained him. The following day, his wife reportedly visited the station and was informed that he had collapsed and had been taken to a nearby chemist.

According to the family, Agbo told his wife at the chemist that a police officer identified as Dogara had allegedly struck him on the forehead with a stick.

The family further alleged that the Divisional Police Officer gave Agbo’s wife ₦20,000 to take him to General Hospital, Kubwa. He was subsequently referred to the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital for further treatment.

Agbo later died at the hospital after his medical expenses reportedly rose to about ₦700,000.

The development has sparked calls from members of the Owukpa community and other supporters for a thorough and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Agbo’s detention, alleged assault and eventual death.

They are demanding that anyone found responsible for the death of the 52-year-old be brought to justice, while urging the authorities to establish the facts surrounding the incident and ensure that the rights of the deceased and his family are protected.

The family and community maintained that they are seeking “justice and nothing but justice” for Agbo and called on the relevant authorities to conduct a transparent investigation into the case.