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Nigerian Police Dismiss Three Officers Over Killing Of Kwara Polytechnic Student

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October 15, 2024

The officers identified as Abiodun Kayode, AP/No 233828 INSPR, James Emmanuel, , AP/No 287410 INSPR and Oni Philip, F/No 497868 SGT.

The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed three officers involved in the killing of Qoyum Abdulyekeen Ishola, a student of Kwara State Polytechnic.

The officers identified as Abiodun Kayode, AP/No 233828 INSPR, James Emmanuel, , AP/No 287410 INSPR and Oni Philip, F/No 497868 SGT.

Earlier in September, SaharaReporters reported how  a trigger-happy police officer reportedly shot dead a student of Kwara State Polytechnic, identified as Ishola Abdulqoyum, along Panat Road, a link between Sango and ShopRite in Kwara State.

Abdulqoyum, an ND II part-time student of Electrical/Electronics Engineering, was said to be  on a commercial motorcycle which the police arrested.

The deceased's brother, identified as Abdullah, told SaharaReporters that the victim was stopped while on the motorcycle and ordered into a police patrol vehicle, where officers demanded money from him.

In a statement released on Monday evening, the Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the officers were found guilty of abandoning their post, engaging in corrupt practices, and unlawful or unnecessary exercise of authority.

The image maker said the officers would be arraigned in court soonest.

The statement read,  "We wish 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 offenses: leaving their assigned post, corrupt practices, and the unlawful or unnecessary exercise of authority." 

She said, "Consequently, they have been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force, with effect from 4th October, 2024. They will be arraigned in court soonest." 

According to Ejire-Adeyemi, "This decisive action highlights the unwavering commitment of the Inspector General of Police, 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 stiff response," she added.

"The Kwara State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police, 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.

"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."

Ejire-Adeyemi added that the Command appreciated the cooperation of all citizens and assured them that justice had been served.