Police in Ogun State accused of assaulting polytechnic students

Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command allegedly assaulted and brutalised students of the Gateway Institute of Technology, Igbesa, on Tuesday.

According to DAILY POST, the incident began when a student was stopped, searched and found carrying a “black soap.”

The student was reportedly arrested and detained, prompting the Student Union Government (SUG) president, Ilo Temitope, and other students to intervene.

In a video circulating online, Temitope said, “I met some of comrades and the students were outside the station. I asked them what happened and they told me that one of our students was arrested with a soap. I asked to see the DPO and we were refused and asked to come back tomorrow. The students refused and started singing aluta songs that the student have been locked up in the cell. Immediately those officers riding small cars came and then MS wanted to shoot us. He cracked the gun wanting to shoot us and the DPO came………. ”

The report indicates that Temitope was also assaulted and unlawfully detained while attempting to intervene on behalf of the institution’s students.

Another video shows a student wearing a blue round‑neck polo with blood gushing from his mouth, agitating in front of the police station. He is heard saying, “They have decided to intimidate us, they have decided to beat us, without doing anything….”

A female voice in the background adds, “The SUG president is inside the station currently, he has been beaten and even the DPO was part of the people beating the SUG president.”

In response, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), through its Public Relations Officer Adeyemi Ajasa, called the incident disturbing and unacceptable, stating that the officers’ actions constitute a direct violation of Nigerian students’ fundamental rights and an attack on democratic student unionism and peaceful coexistence in tertiary institutions.

The student body demanded an immediate investigation, insisting that any officers involved be identified and sanctioned.

Other SUG presidents from eight institutions in the state also called for a public apology from the Igbesa Police Division, disciplinary action against every officer involved in the alleged brutalisation and unlawful detention, and adequate protection for students against harassment, intimidation and unlawful arrest by security operatives.

Police spokesperson DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi issued a statement quoting State Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni as having ordered an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Babaseyi assured the public that, should misconduct be established, appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken in accordance with existing regulations.

“The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, has ordered an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident,” the statement read.

“The Command assures the public that the matter is receiving prompt attention and that due process will be strictly followed to establish the facts. Where any misconduct is established, appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken in line with extant regulations,” he added.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to professionalism, discipline and respect for the rights of all residents, including students, and urged calm while the investigation proceeds.

“The Command further assures that justice will be pursued without compromise, and the outcome of the investigation will be communicated in due course,” the statement concluded.