The Ondo State police command has launched an investigation into the suspected suicide of a businessman identified as Akinbolusere Kayode.
The businessman was said to have died by suicide after releasing a video in which he spoke about his family and business.
In a statement on Friday, the command’s spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, said the victim died in his office in Igba Town, Ondo State, on Thursday.
“The incident was reported following information received from members of the public that the deceased, a resident of Road 7, Housing Estate, Igba, had died in his office located beside BOVAS Petrol Station, Igba Town, at about 1500hrs on the said date,” the statement said.
The command noted that, upon receipt of the information, police operatives attached to Bolorunduro Division visited the scene, where two empty bottles suspected to have contained Sniper insecticide were recovered from a nearby bush.
According to the statement, preliminary findings also revealed that the deceased had allegedly recorded a video before his death, which had since circulated on social media and in which he reportedly lamented his life struggles.
“His remains were subsequently evacuated and deposited at the State Hospital Morgue for preservation and further examination. No foul play or visible marks of violence were observed on his body at the time of examination,” the command added.
The Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, however, ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident to establish the actual cause of death.
Mr Ohagwu urged members of the public to refrain from speculation and allow the investigation to run its course. He also encouraged individuals experiencing emotional distress, marital challenges or other personal difficulties to seek timely support and assistance rather than resorting to actions that could endanger their lives.
In the video, the businessman acknowledged his wife’s role in his life and bequeathed his property to her and their three children, who are based in Canada.
He added that he made the video without being pressured.