Police to prosecute three officers dismissed over Kwara Poly student’s death

The Kwara State Police Command has announced that it will prosecute the three police officers found guilty of the alleged killing of an ND11 student of the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, Qoyum Abdulyekeen Ishola, in a court of competent jurisdiction.

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, made available to the press on Monday night, stated that the police authority has dismissed the three officers found culpable in the killing of the student.

In the statement titled “Final Update on the Case of Qoyum Abdulyekeen Ishola,” the police 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 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, 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.”

Recall that 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 tragic death, students of the Kwara State Polytechnic embarked on a protest at the headquarters of the state Police Command and the government house, demanding justice.

The Student Union Government of Kwara State Polytechnic has called for an open investigation by the Nigeria Police Force to uncover the killer of the late student.

The police also stated 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.”