The Kwara State Police Command has revealed that it will prosecute the three police officers found guilty of the murder of an ND11 student at the Kwara State Polytechnic in Ilorin, Qoyum Abdulyekeen Ishola, in a court of competent jurisdiction.
According to a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Kwara State Police Command, DSP Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, on behalf of the state Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, and made available to the press on Monday night, the police authority has dismissed the three officers found to be responsible for the student’s death.
In the statement titled “Final Update on the Case of Qoyum Abdulyekeen Ishola,” the Force named the three dismissed officers as Inspector Abiodun Kayode, Inspector James Emmanuel, and Sergeant Oni Philip.
He stated, “The Kwara State Police Command wishes to provide an important update regarding the investigation into the tragic incident involving the loss of Qoyum Abdulyekeen Ishola on 4th September 2024.
“After a thorough investigation and an internal disciplinary trial, the three officers involved—AP/No 233828 INSPR. Abiodun Kayode, AP/No 287410 INSPR. James Emmanuel, and F/No 497868 SGT. Oni Philip—have been found guilty of the following offences: 1. leaving beat; 2. corrupt practices; 3. unlawful or unnecessary exercise of authority.
“Consequently, they have been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force, effective October 4, 2024. They will be arraigned in court as soon as possible.
“This decisive action highlights the unwavering commitment of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, NPM, PhD, to upholding justice, professionalism, and accountability across the Nigeria Police Force. Under his 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 Kwara State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police CP Victor Olaiya, psc(+), extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Qoyum Abdulyekeen Ishola. We share in their grief and remain committed to providing them with support during this difficult period.”
Qoyum Abdulyekeen Ishola, a 21-year-old student of the Electrical Electronics Engineering department of Kwara State Polytechnic, was allegedly murdered by the police during a stop-and-search operation in the Fate area of Ilorin on 4th September 2024.
Following the terrible incident, students from Kwara State Polytechnic staged a protest at the offices of the state police command and the government palace, seeking justice.
The Student Union Government of Kwara State Polytechnic has requested that the Nigeria Police Force conduct an open inquiry to find the killer of the late student.
The police also mentioned in the statement that it urges “the public to always exercise patience and trust in the legal process, as we remain dedicated to maintaining law and order within Kwara State. The Command appreciates the cooperation of all citizens and assures them that justice will be served.”
