Residents of Ilaje Local Government Area in Ondo State are demanding justice after a young civilian worker, Edema Omagbemi, reportedly died following alleged torture in the custody of personnel at the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB), Igbokoda.
According to accounts shared on Wednesday and circulating on social media, Omagbemi, an Ilaje indigene who had been working directly with the commanding officer of the base, identified as Captain A. Usman, was summoned to the facility after being accused of stealing $9,000.
An eyewitness said the allegations levelled against the worker were unsubstantiated.
“He was accused of allegedly stealing $9,000, so they called him to the base and tortured him till he fainted,” the eyewitness said.
“Unfortunately, the accusations have no substance because it’s not that they found the money in his possession.”
The witness further alleged that Omagbemi was chained and beaten after he denied the accusation.
“He was chained and tortured till he fainted before he was rushed to the hospital where he was confirmed dead,” the source stated.
Community members revealed that Omagbemi’s wife had given birth only days before the tragic incident, intensifying the community’s grief and outrage.
The case drew wider attention after a man identified as Adewale shared a video reportedly linked to the incident, calling for public outcry and accountability.
“I just want justice for the guy; that is why I shared the information,” Adewale said.
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to speak with the Nigerian Navy were unsuccessful, as Commodore A. O. Odejobi, Director of Naval Information (DINFO), could not be reached on the telephone as his phone was switched off.
Meanwhile, community leaders and rights advocates are urging authorities to launch an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Omagbemi’s death.
“We just need justice for the boy,” one resident said.