Ondo businessman dies by suspected suicide, family alleges foul play

The family of a 46-year-old businessman, Kayode Akinbolusere, popularly known as Tolufe, has called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, alleging that he may have been forced to record a video shortly before his death.

Akinbolusere, the owner of Esther Estate in Ondo State, reportedly died on Thursday after allegedly ingesting a poisonous substance at his office in Igba, Ondo State.

Before his death, a video circulated on social media in which the businessman spoke about his personal struggles and declared that he was leaving his properties to his wife, Esther, and their three children, who are based in Canada.

In the video, he reportedly said he was making the decision voluntarily and that nobody had pressured him.

He also praised his wife for standing by him during his difficult times, particularly when he worked as a barber, adding that she had supported him when he had nothing.

However, his uncle, Femi Akinbolusere, expressed suspicion over the circumstances surrounding the video, questioning the deceased’s use of the word “surrender” while discussing his properties.

Speaking with Saturday PUNCH, the uncle urged security operatives to investigate the video, alleging that the businessman might have been compelled to make the recording.

He said, “We are grieving, please. You heard all he said laughing that he surrendered. Is that a gift to anybody? Is that a will? As if somebody was behind his seat pointing a gun at him. How can somebody say I am surrendering everything to my wife and three children?”

Femi further called on the police to examine the video, conduct an autopsy and investigate the people who might have been involved in the circumstances leading to the businessman’s death.

He also questioned the reference to the deceased’s wife in the video, urging the police to invite her for questioning as part of their investigation.

However, the Ondo State Police Command said preliminary findings had not indicated any signs of foul play.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, confirming that an investigation had commenced into the suspected suicide.

According to the police, Akinbolusere, who resided at Road 7, Housing Estate, Igba, was found dead in his office beside BOVAS Petrol Station in Igba Town at about 3pm on Thursday.

The statement said police operatives attached to the Bolorunduro Division visited the scene after receiving information about the incident and recovered two empty bottles suspected to have contained Sniper insecticide from a nearby bush.

It added that preliminary findings showed that the deceased had allegedly recorded a video before his death, which subsequently circulated on social media, in which he reportedly spoke about his life struggles.

The police spokesperson said the deceased’s remains had been evacuated to the State Hospital Morgue for preservation and further examination.

He added that no signs of foul play or visible marks of violence were observed on the body during the initial examination.