Police Axe 3 Officers Over Unlawful Killing of Kwara Poly Student

Police Dismiss Killers of Kwara Poly Student

“The Kwara State Police Command wishes to provide an important update regarding the investigation into the tragic incident...”

Kwara Poly Student Killing: Police investigate, dismiss & prosecute 3 Officers involved in fatal stop-and-search incident.

The Kwara State Police Command has taken decisive action regarding the alleged killing of Qoyum Abdulyekeen Ishola, a National Diploma student at Kwara State Polytechnic in Ilorin. Three police officers found guilty of the crime will face prosecution in a court of competent jurisdiction.

In a statement released on October 14, DSP Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, Police Public Relations Officer, announced that the police authority has dismissed the three culpable officers. This development follows an investigation into the incident, which occurred on September 4, 2024.

Developments:

• Investigation Ordered: The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, directed the Homicide section of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja to conduct a thorough investigation.
• Officers Identified: The three dismissed officers are Inspector Abiodun Kayode, Inspector James Emmanuel, and Sergeant Oni Philip.
• Prosecution Pending: The Kwara State Police Command will prosecute the dismissed officers in a court of competent jurisdiction.

This move demonstrates the commitment of the Kwara State Police Command to ensuring justice and accountability in the tragic incident.

The Kwara State Police Command has identified the three officers dismissed in connection with the tragic death of Qoyum Abdulyekeen Ishola, a 21-year-old student of Kwara State Polytechnic. The officers are:

• Inspector Abiodun Kayode
• Inspector James Emmanuel
• Sergeant Oni Philip

These officers were found guilty following a thorough investigation and internal disciplinary trial into the incident that occurred on September 4, 2024. The police command has also announced plans to prosecute the dismissed officers.

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 are AP/No 233828 Abiodun Kayode, AP/No 287410 James Emmanuel, and F/No 497868 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 from 4th October 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, 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, 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.”

Tragedy struck on September 4, 2024, when Qoyum Abdulyekeen Ishola, a 21-year-old Electrical Electronics Engineering student at Kwara State Polytechnic, was allegedly killed by police during a stop-and-search operation in Ilorin's Fate area.

The incident sparked outrage, prompting students to protest at the Kwara State Police Command headquarters and government house, demanding justice for the slain student.

In response, the Student Union Government of Kwara State Polytechnic urged the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a transparent and thorough investigation to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice.