Police Arrest Officers Over Kwara Varsity Student’s Death
The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of some officers in connection with the alleged killing of a Kwara State University student, Suleiman Olayinka, in the state.
The arrest is coming three weeks after the dismissal and prosecution of three police officers over the alleged murder of a Kwara Polytechnic student, Quoyum Abdulyekeen.
The State’s Police Spokesperson, DSP Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, who confirmed the arrest, said the Command was aware of the incident and had taken immediate action in response.
A statement issued on Friday and signed by DSP Ejire-Adeyemi said; “The Kwara State Police Command is aware of this unfortunate incident, which led to the sudden death of Suleiman Olayinka (M), 27 years old.
“A complaint of cheating and criminal breach of trust was reported against the deceased. Police detectives were immediately assigned to investigate the case.
“Meanwhile, the officers involved in the incident have been identified, arrested, and detained for further investigation regarding the death of the suspect.
“Further updates will be provided promptly as investigations unfold.”
The arrested officers allegedly murdered 27-old Olayinka on Tuesday at around 2:00 pm in the Tanke area of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
According to eyewitness accounts, several policemen were involved in the incident that led to the student’s death, explaining that the unfortunate incident occurred when the victim got off a motorcycle and was approached by the officers, who suddenly dropped him to the bare floor
Also holding the embattled officers responsible for Olayinka’s untimely death, another witness hinted that the late Student had come to collect N1,000, which he had already transferred to a PoS operator to settle the Okada rider who brought him.
“I was with him. As soon as he got the money from a PoS operator, the officers came out of a tricycle and dragged him to the ground. The victim kept asking what offence he had committed, but they didn’t let him speak.
“He pleaded with the officers, informing them that he was asthmatic, but they ignored his pleas”.
“It is unfortunate that their cruel action led to the young man’s untimely death”.
Meanwhile, the officers involved in the death of Quoyum Abdulyekeen Ishola, a 21-year-old student of the Electrical Electronics Engineering department at Kwara State Polytechnic, have been charged to court and are currently undergoing trial at the Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin.
They suspects allegedly murdered Ishola during a stop-and-search operation at Fate area, Ilorin, on September 4, 2024.
Following the student’s death, the Kwara State Police Command arrested and dismissed three police officers, including Abiodun Kayode and James Emmanuel, both former inspectors, and former sergeant Oni Philip.