Father Seeks Justice After Son’s Body Goes Missing Following Police Shooting
Olamilekan Sanyaolu, the father of 14-year-old Mubarak, is grappling with unbearable grief and frustration after learning that his son’s body has gone missing from a morgue in Lagos. Mubarak was tragically killed by a stray bullet fired by a police officer during a protest, and Sanyaolu’s quest for justice has recently taken a heartbreaking turn with the loss of his son’s remains.
How Did You Discover Your Son’s Body Was Missing?
“I was devastated when I learned during my visit to the morgue that my son’s body was no longer there. It felt as though my status led to this negligence. If I were affluent, I believe this issue would have been addressed long ago,” Sanyaolu lamented. “It’s been four years, and the authorities seem to expect me to give up.”
What Happened at the Morgue?
When Sanyaolu visited the morgue on January 16, he presented the police-issued letter for body retrieval but was informed that additional documentation was required. After a long wait, the mortuary managers contacted him the following day to declare that they could not locate the body and suggested it may have been buried in a mass grave.
How Did the Police Respond to This Revelation?
Upon notifying the police, Sanyaolu spoke with an officer who confirmed the grim news but dismissed further responsibility, instructing him to contact his lawyer. Despite the police’s prior assurance regarding an autopsy, Sanyaolu has received no information on the matter.
What Did the New Police Head Advise?
In a recent meeting, a new police officer acknowledged that the fatal shooting was indeed caused by a police officer, contradicting earlier claims of military involvement. “He expressed concern and asked about our wishes,” Sanyaolu recounted. “I simply want to bury my son with dignity.”
Have Any Documents Regarding the Autopsy Been Provided?
“No documentation has been supplied regarding the autopsy, despite repeated requests,” Sanyaolu stated, highlighting the lack of transparency from law enforcement. “It’s heartbreaking to consider how my son’s body has been treated.”
Who is Responsible for This Disappearance?
Sanyaolu believes that both the police and the morgue share responsibility in this tragic situation. The police initially misled morgue staff about how Mubarak died and failed to maintain proper communication throughout the investigation.
How Has This Affected Your Family?
The pain of having his son’s body go missing has reopened old wounds for Sanyaolu and his family. “My visually impaired wife has struggled to cope with this news. It feels unbearable,” he expressed.
How Would You Describe Mubarak?
Mubarak was a promising young man pursuing a trade, with dreams and responsibilities. “My son was not just a child; he was a source of support for our family,” Sanyaolu reflected. “Now I bear this burden alone.”
Can You Recap the Day of the Incident?
Sanyaolu described the events leading to his son’s death, where a confrontation between a police officer and a tricycle rider escalated. Amid chaos, Mubarak was struck by a stray bullet, highlighting the dangers of police brutality.
What Actions Will You Take Next?
Sanyaolu is demanding clarity regarding his son’s burial and accountability from both the police and the morgue. “This ordeal has compounded my loss. I want to know where my son is buried,” he stated, urging for justice and recognition of his family’s suffering.
The situation underscores a broader concern about police accountability and the need for urgent reforms in the system to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
