The Nigerian Police Force on Friday announced that three officers from the Kwara State Command, who had been dismissed due to their involvement in the tragic death of Qoyum Abdulyekeen Ishola, a student of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, have been formally charged in court.
The officers, Inspector Abiodun Kayode, Inspector James Samuel, and Sergeant Oni Philip, are facing two charges; criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide in connection with the death of Ishola, which occurred during a student protest over fuel price hikes.
According to a police statement, the officers have been remanded in prison custody while awaiting further court hearings.
The case against them was presented on October 16, 2024, following directives from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
The incident that led to these charges involved Ishola, a 21-year-old National Diploma 2 student studying Electrical/Electronics, who was allegedly shot by the officers while participating in a protest organized by students in Ilorin.
The protest, which aimed to express dissatisfaction with rising fuel prices, turned tragic when the officers were reported to have used excessive force.
The public outrage that followed the student’s death prompted the IGP to swiftly intervene, transferring the case to police headquarters in Abuja for a thorough investigation.
The investigation revealed that the three officers had engaged in misconduct, including leaving their designated posts, engaging in corrupt activities, and exercising unlawful authority, all of which culminated in Ishola’s death.
After an internal disciplinary hearing, the officers were found guilty of their actions, leading to their dismissal from the Nigeria Police Force effective October 4, 2024.
This decision followed a rigorous investigative process, which not only focused on the events leading to Ishola’s death but also scrutinized the officers’ failure to uphold their responsibilities.
In a previous statement, the police emphasized the importance of this decision, stating, “This decisive action highlights the unwavering commitment of IGP Egbetokun to upholding justice, professionalism, and accountability across the Nigeria Police Force.”
Furthermore, the statement reinforced the stance of the current police leadership under IGP Egbetokun, noting that the force is committed to ensuring that its officers maintain the highest standards of conduct.
“Under Egbetokun’s leadership, we are resolute in ensuring that officers conduct themselves with integrity, and any breach of ethical standards, particularly in cases leading to loss of life, will be met with a stiff response,” the police emphasized.
In a show of solidarity with the family of the deceased, the police expressed their sympathy, “We share in their grief and remain committed to providing them with support during this difficult period.”
This compassionate gesture reflects the force’s recognition of the gravity of the incident and its commitment to addressing the wrongdoing that led to Ishola’s untimely death.
The trial of the dismissed officers is expected to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding the protest and the decisions made by the officers, as the public and the victim’s family await justice.
