RE: Rogue Police Officers Prey on Okada Riders and Youths in Kwara State, Extortion Leaves Lives in Peril

RE: Rogue Police Officers Prey on Okada Riders and Youths in Kwara State, Extortion Leaves Lives in Peril

A tragic incident unfolded in Ilorin on Thursday with the killing of Qoyum Abdulyekeen, a National Diploma two (ND) II student of Electrical/Electronics Engineering of Kwara State Polytechnic, by some alleged police officers trying to extort money from him.

This occurred just a few days when ALBARKA FM published an investigative story on police extortion and misconduct in Kwara State.

According to eyewitness accounts, the victim was killed after resisting attempts by the police to extort money from him.

A colleague of the deceased, identified as Ismail, provided a detailed account of the events leading to the shooting. He stated that the police had stopped Qoyum and ordered him to enter their patrol vehicle, where they demanded money. Despite Qoyum’s insistence that he had no money, the police persisted in their demands. When Qoyum attempted to leave the scene by taking a motorcycle, the police opened fire, resulting in his death.

“He kept insisting he had no money. At some point, when the policemen were busy with other people they had stopped, Qoyum attempted to flee. He managed to get on a motorcycle but was chased by the police, who shot him,” Ismail said.

Another student, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed that the incident occurred at Panat Road, a link between Sango and ShopRite, while Qoyum was on a motorcycle.

“The police chased the bike, and a bullet hit him in the hand, causing him to fall. The policemen left without offering help, and the motorcyclist fled after the stray bullet hit him.”

In response to the incident, the Kwara State Police Command has issued a statement acknowledging the tragic event and assuring the public that a thorough investigation is underway. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ejire Adetoun Adeyemi, in a statement yesterday, urged concerned students and family members to remain calm, assuring them that justice will be served and the truth will be revealed in due time.

“The Kwara State Police Command is aware of the unfortunate incident resulting in the death of Qoyum Abdulyekeen Ishola. A thorough investigation is currently underway, and the public will be updated accordingly. We appeal to the concerned students & family to remain calm, as justice will be served, and the truth will be revealed in due time.”

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has also expressed its condolences to the family of the deceased. The Chairman, AbdulGaffar Arikewuyo, stated that the organization is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Qoyum and is confident that justice will be achieved through legal means rather than violence.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Student Affairs, AbdulSalam Wasiu Onidugbe, in a telephone interview, confirmed that the police are investigating the matter and will strengthen communication channels between students and the police to prevent such incidents in the future.

“The police are investigating the matter, and communication channels between students and the police will be strengthened.”