Civil society organisations and legal practitioners have demanded accountability from the Oyo State Police Command over the alleged mishandling of an ₦8,000 debt dispute that reportedly ended in the death of a student.

The groups accused the police of criminalising what they described as a civil debt matter, following allegations by the deceased’s family that the student suffered humiliation during police custody and subsequent prosecution before taking his own life.

According to the family, the student was arrested over an alleged ₦8,000 debt and was subjected to emotional distress throughout the legal process. They claimed the experience deeply affected his mental wellbeing and ultimately contributed to his death.

Reacting to the incident, several civil society organisations described the case as a disturbing example of the misuse of police powers in resolving private financial disputes.

The groups argued that debt recovery is ordinarily a civil matter and urged the authorities to investigate the conduct of officers involved in the arrest and prosecution.

Lawyers also called for an independent inquiry, insisting that any officer found to have violated the student’s rights should face appropriate disciplinary and legal action.

They further urged the Police Service Commission and relevant oversight agencies to examine whether due process was followed in the handling of the case.

The advocates maintained that the tragedy underscores the need for stronger safeguards against unlawful arrests and the criminalisation of civil disputes, particularly where vulnerable individuals are involved.