8th February 2025
Since July 24, 2024, Irewoletomiwa Oni, a caterer and single mother from Ogun State, has lived in agony after being shot by a police officer. The bullet shattered her womb and intestines, leaving her unable to bear another child. Once a hardworking mother providing for her daughter, she now struggles with excruciating pain, limited mobility, and financial distress.
The tragic incident occurred when Irewoletomiwa was returning from an event along the Obasanjo-Itele-Ota Road. Police officers stopped her vehicle, demanding money. Lacking cash, she offered to make a bank transfer, but the officers mocked her. Moments later, gunshots rang out, and she lost consciousness. After multiple surgeries, she awoke to the devastating news that her womb and digestive system had been irreparably damaged.
Her father, Segun Oni, has fought relentlessly for justice, reporting the case to the police and government authorities. While the former Commissioner of Police acknowledged that the officers involved confessed, financial support for Irewoletomiwa’s treatment has been inconsistent. Despite assurances that medical expenses would be covered, the family claims they have received little help beyond an initial ₦1 million contribution. Letters sent to the Inspector General of Police and the state governor have gone unanswered.
Now, Irewoletomiwa faces an uncertain future. Unable to work, struggling to afford medication, and suffering severe health complications, she pleads for justice and urgent medical treatment, potentially abroad. The Ogun State Police Command insists they have not abandoned her, but her ongoing suffering highlights the pressing need for police accountability and reform in Nigeria.
