.Raises alarm over alleged cover-up

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Fresh concerns have emerged over the death of Mrs. Modupe Edun, 61, a retired Director in the Ogun State Civil Service, as family members and concerned stakeholders, called on Inspector General of Police, IGP, Tunde Disu and Governor Dapo Abiodun for intervention on the need for a comprehensive investigation into circumstances surrounding her death.

Mrs. Edun, popularly known as “Aunty Doctor,” reportedly died at her residence in Grace Haven Estate, Kobape, Abeokuta, in Ogun State.

Initial accounts reportedly indicated that she on the fateful day, May 16, suffered a fatal fall in her bathroom.

However, a preliminary report prepared by a private investigator engaged by the family, alongside information said to have emerged from an autopsy, has raised questions about the circumstances leading to her death.

The family has consequently appealed to the Ogun State Government, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to conduct what it described as a transparent, professional and impartial investigation into the incident.

In a petition addressed to the Ogun State Director of the DSS, family representatives, Mr Nureni Onasanya, expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of the matter and pointed to what they described as “unresolved issues” surrounding the case.

The petition alleged that the deceased’s husband was released shortly after being questioned and that several aspects of the incident had not been fully clarified.

A preliminary investigation report dated May 23, 2026, and signed by private investigator, Onedo Oghenemega Blaise, identified a number of issues which, according to him, necessitated further official scrutiny.

Among the concerns highlighted were: the delayed notification of family members, the movement of the deceased’s body before the involvement of law enforcement authorities, alleged cleaning of the bathroom where the incident reportedly occurred, and the reported destruction of a plastic bucket believed to be connected to the scene.

The report also questioned the timeline surrounding the incident, noting that relatives were allegedly informed about the death approximately 24 hours after it occurred.

According to the report, interviews conducted with family members and other individuals connected to the household revealed inconsistencies that the investigator said required further examination by law enforcement agencies.

According to Onasanya, additional family statement during the course of the investigation, the son (Adebayo Edun) of the deceased reportedly made a statement to his uncle (Mr. Leke Onasanya) indicating that: “My mummy suffered a lot.”

When further questioned regarding the relationship between his parents, the son stated that: the couple generally lived “like normal couples,” disagreements reportedly occurred from time to time

He however, stated that he was not aware of physical violence between them.

The statement was noted as potentially relevant to understanding the domestic environment within the household prior to the incident. No independent evidence conclusively confirming physical domestic abuse was obtained during the course of this preliminary investigation.

Family members also cited autopsy findings which they said had generated fresh concerns regarding the cause and circumstances of death, although details of the findings were not publicly disclosed.

They argued that the autopsy outcome made it imperative for authorities to undertake a detailed forensic and criminal investigation to establish the facts.

The family further appealed to residents of Kobape, Orogbe Oba Eerin and neighbouring communities who may possess information relevant to the case to assist investigators.

Specifically, they urged authorities to review all available evidence, including: autopsy findings, medical records, mortuary documentation, photographs, witness statements and electronic records, while also reconstructing the sequence of events before and after the death.

“It is only a comprehensive investigation that would establish the true circumstances surrounding Mrs. Edun’s death and provide the answers being sought” the family maintained.

The private investigator however, recommended an independent forensic review, verification of movement timelines, examination of phone records where legally permissible, reconstruction of the alleged bathroom fall scenario and further interviews with all persons present at the residence on the day of the incident.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Ogun State Government, the Ogun State Police Command nor the Department of State Services,DSS, had issued an official statement on the allegations and concerns raised by the family and the investigator.