The Lagos Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has released a report regarding the death of Benson Akingboye, a prominent business tycoon and former gubernatorial candidate in the Ondo gubernatorial election, stating that he suffered from complications related to Bipolar Disorder, which led to suicidal actions. This report refutes murder allegations against Akingboye’s immediate family.
The DPP’s report emphasizes that what was once perceived as a murder case has now been clarified, effectively discrediting those earlier allegations.
“Facts available in the duplicate case file reveal that on the 3rd of September, 2025, the body of the deceased – Chief Benson Akingboye was found in a pool of blood at his residence; plot 15-17, Road 2, VGC Estate, Ajah, Lagos. All the suspects who lived in the same house with the deceased as relations or workers are suspects of murder of the deceased.”
“To maintain the charge of murder, the Prosecution must establish the following ingredients:
1. That the deceased died
2. That it was the act of the Defendant that caused the death of the deceased
3. That the act of the Defendant was intentional with the knowledge that death or bodily harm was its probable consequence. See Okereke V. State (2016) LPELR – 40012(SC) 1.”
“It is not in dispute that the deceased died; however, upon careful consideration of the CCTV recording from the adjoining house, the statements of the suspects, and investigations by the Police, it was revealed that none of the suspects was seen to have thrown the deceased from the top of the balcony, nor was any physical harm observed to have been inflicted on the deceased by the suspects. This rules out the 2nd and 3rd ingredients of the offence of murder against the suspects.”
Evidence also suggests that Akingboye had been suffering from bipolar disorder, which worsened after his defeat in the Ondo State gubernatorial election and subsequent financial troubles. He was being treated at Southern Gem Hospital and was discharged against medical advice shortly before his death.
“The Medical Report from Southern Gem Hospital in detail explained the critical condition of the deceased’s medical and mental state before his death. The essence of this is to highlight that before the 3rd of September, 2025, the deceased had suicidal episodes and was in a critical mental and medical crisis.”
Additionally, an affidavit from a friend confirms that Akingboye had attempted suicide during a trip to Dubai, leading to police involvement and psychiatric treatment.
“Post-mortem did not find any injury that is consistent with the act of a third party. Also, the post-mortem indicates suicide, which cannot be excluded in view of the deceased’s bipolar disorder.”
In light of these findings, the DPP concluded that there is no prima facie case against the suspects—Christian Akingboye, Fadairo Olanrewaju, Caseley Ogbonna, Kingsley Ifeanyi Joseph, Bolanle Olaiya, Ikpo Patrick, Anthony Akingboye, Micheal Akingboye, Melvin Akingboye, Jude Oseghale, and Akpunwoke Victor—for murder or any related charges. They should be released if still in custody.
You will recall that an autopsy report confirmed that Mr Bamidele Benson Akingboye, was murdered.
He was reported to have died under uncertain circumstances on September 3, 2025 with family members and aides claiming that his body was discovered in the backyard of his mansion.
In a chat with Channels Television, the Commissioner, Lagos Police Command, CP Olorundare Jimoh, explained that the autopsy, conducted on September 11, 2025, along with other recent findings, led to the arrest and re-detention of seven out of the 14 members of the Akingboye family earlier invited for questioning.
CP Jimoh said: “With the toxicology findings concluded, we await advice from the DPP so prosecution can begin against anyone found culpable of murder.”
One of the early red flags investigated by the detectives was a suspicious transfer. A sum of N50 million was transferred from the late Akingboye’s account, allegedly shared by some members of his immediate family, among other issues.
