Falana Petitions Ogun Police Over Death of Activist Abiodun Aremu, Demands Full Investigation
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has urged the Ogun State Police Command to launch a thorough investigation into the death of Comrade Abiodun Aremu, the Secretary of the Joint Action Front (JAF), who was killed by a hit-and-run driver in Ota, Ogun State.
In a petition dated October 15, 2025, and addressed to the Commissioner of Police in Abeokuta, Falana described Aremu’s death as a “tragic and unacceptable loss,” demanding that the driver responsible be identified and prosecuted without delay.
Aremu, a prominent labour activist and leading voice in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement, was reportedly hit by a speeding vehicle near his Ota residence on Sunday, October 12.
The driver fled the scene, leaving the victim critically injured. Despite efforts by bystanders who rushed him to a nearby hospital, Aremu was later confirmed dead.
Falana, in his petition, condemned the act as reckless and negligent, insisting that justice must be served in accordance with the law.
“We are compelled to request you to use your good offices to cause an investigation into the tragic death of Comrade Aremu with a view to fishing out the driver and prosecuting him for overspeeding, negligence, and manslaughter,” the letter read in part.
The Senior Advocate pledged his chambers’ cooperation with the Ogun State Police Command to ensure a transparent and credible probe into the incident.
Falana also stressed that the case must not be treated as “just another road accident,” noting that Aremu’s death was a painful reminder of rising road recklessness and impunity across the country.
“Justice for Aremu,” Falana said, “is not only justice for one family but a call to defend the sanctity of life and the rule of law.”
The late Aremu was widely respected in labour and civil society circles for his decades-long activism and commitment to social justice. His colleagues have since described his passing as a huge blow to the pro-labour movement in Nigeria.
