Three dismissed cops to be arraigned over Kwara poly student’s killing

The Kwara State Police Command said that it would prosecute the three police officers found guilty of allegedly killing an ND II student of the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, Qoyum Abdulyekeen Ishola, in the court of competent jurisdiction.

The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Mr Victor Olaiya, made this disclosure in a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, on Monday night, saying the police authorities had dismissed the three officers found culpable in the student’s killing.

In the statement entitled, “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.

“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 September 14, 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, with effect from October 4, 2024. They will be arraigned in court soonest.”
The CP stressed that the decisive action highlighted the unwavering commitment of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to uphold justice, professionalism, and accountability across the Nigeria Police Force.
“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,” he stressed.

Ishola, a 21-year-old student of the Department of Electrical Electronics of Kwara State Polytechnic was allegedly murdered by the police during a stop and search operation at the Fate area of Ilorin on September 4, 2024.

Following the tragic death, students of the polytechnic embarked on a protest at the headquarters of the state police command and the Government House demanding justice for the student.

The Student Union Government of the Kwara State Polytechnic demanded an open investigation from the Nigeria Police Force to uncover the killer of the late student.

The police, in the statement, also said, “We urge 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 has been served.