Police Probe Kwara Poly Student’s Death

The Kwara State Police Command has launched an investigation into the killing of Abdulqoyyum Ishola, a student of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, allegedly killed on 4th September 2024 around the Sango area in Ilorin, the state’s capital.

The move by the Command is coming against the backdrop of an outcry by Ishola’s colleagues alleging that he was killed by a trigger-happy policeman.

A statement by the Command spokesperson, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi on Sunday, while assuring the deceased family of justice said; “We stand with them in this difficult moment and are committed to seeking justice on behalf of the deceased.”

According to the statement; “Following the incident, a thorough investigation has already commenced and actors and witnesses have been identified. The Kwara State Police Command is fully dedicated to uncovering the facts of the matter and ensuring that those responsible, are brought to justice in accordance with the law.

“We are working with care and diligence, as we understand the importance of providing clear answers to the family and community. Our commitment to transparency in this investigation is unwavering, and we pledge to conduct the process with the utmost integrity, leaving no room for doubt or compromise.”

In appealing to the public, the student’s community and those directly impacted, to remain calm and allow the law to take its rightful course, the Command further said; “While emotions may be high, we urge everyone to avoid actions that could hinder the investigation or disrupt public order. The Kwara State Police Command is mindful of its duty to serve and protect, and we promise to keep the public informed of any new developments as the investigation progresses. We appreciate your patience and cooperation during this sensitive time”.

Reacting to the unfortunate incident, the Polytechnic Rector, Engr Abdul-Jimoh Muhammed, expressed sadness over the demise of Abdulqoyyum who was a National Diploma (ND 2) Electrical Electronic Engineering student.

A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Polytechnic, Mrs Halimat Garba, said the tragic incident occurred on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, around the GRA in the Ilorin metropolis, adding that; “The circumstances around the young and promising student’s death are still dicey as there were many unconfirmed stories and narratives around it.”

The Rector, who promised that the School management is committed to ensuring that justice is served as appropriate based on the final reports of the matter, appreciated the students for being calm and not taking laws into their own hands.

He stressed that “as the investigation unfolds, the Polytechnic community remains resolute in its demand for accountability and justice for Abdulqoyyum.”

On their part, the Polytechnic’s Students’ Union President, Olalekan Isola, and the National President of the National Association of Kwara State Students, Abdulwahab Arewa said in a joint statement that they will march to the State Police Command’s headquarters in Ilorin to demand justice for the alleged killing of fellow student, Abdulqoyyum, a National Diploma (ND 2) student of Electrical/Electronics Engineering of the institution.

The statement expressed a deep sense of responsibility over the alleged unfortunate incident involving the student and members of the police force, saying that an extensive meeting and discussions with relevant police authorities were productive, and “we are working closely with the institution’s management and other key stakeholders to investigate the matter thoroughly.”

The statement further said thus; “According to sources, Abdulqoyyum was allegedly chased at the Fate area of Ilorin by an alleged officer of the Kwara state police command to an enclosed area. What happened there is still unclear, but when Abdulqoyyum was found, he had suffered a deep wound on one of his arms.

“He was thereafter taken to the Kwara State General Hospital, where he gave up the ghost on Thursday morning and was buried the same morning according to Islamic religious burial rites.

“Abdulqoyyum succumbed to his injuries at the state general hospital, Ilorin, after losing a significant amount of blood”.