Outrage as Kwara poly students protest over death of colleague allegedly killed by police
Students of Kwara State Polytechnic have taken to the streets in protest following the reported death of their colleague, Qoyum Abdulyekeen, allegedly at the hands of police officers in Ilorin.
Reports suggest that Qoyum was found dead after attempting to escape from police officers who were reportedly trying to extort him.
A colleague of the deceased, identified as Ismail, told The Informant247 that the police had stopped Qoyum, suspecting him of being an internet fraudster, and ordered him into their patrol vehicle.
Ismail explained that the officers demanded money in exchange for Qoyum’s release, but the student insisted that he had no money, stating that he was not a criminal but simply a student.
“He kept insisting he had no money. At some point, when the policemen were busy with other people they had stopped, Qoyum attempted to flee. He managed to get on a motorcycle but was chased by the police, who shot him,” Ismail recounted.
Another student, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed that the incident occurred on Panat Road, a link between Sango and ShopRite, while Qoyum was on a motorcycle. “The police chased the bike, and a bullet hit him in the hand, causing him to fall. The policemen left without offering help, and the motorcyclist fled after the stray bullet hit him.”
However another student, who claimed to be an eyewitness, stated that he was also a victim of police extortion at the time of the incident, as they were returning from a night party.
He said he did not hear gunshots but noted that the policeman that chased the deceased said he found Qoyum’s bloodied slippers in a gutter, though they could not locate him immediately.
Responding to the incident, Kwara State Police Command spokesperson, Shide Adeyemi, said, “The Kwara State Police Command is aware of the unfortunate incident resulting in the death of Qoyum Abdulyekeen Ishola. A thorough investigation is currently underway, and the public will be updated accordingly. We urge concerned students and family members to remain calm, as justice will be served, and the truth will be revealed in due time.”
AbdulGaffar Arikewuyo, Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), expressed his grief, stating, “We visited the deceased’s family today. Nigerian students are deeply saddened by Abdulqoyum’s tragic death. However, we believe that justice will be pursued through legal means, not violence.”
Special Adviser to the Governor on Students, AbdulSalam Wasiu Onidugbe, added in a phone call, “The police are investigating the matter, and communication channels between students and the police will be strengthened.”
