The case surrounding the tragic death of Qoyum Abdulyekeen Ishola, a 21-year-old student from Kwara State Polytechnic, underscores pressing issues of police accountability and the treatment of citizens during public demonstrations. Ishola’s untimely demise during a student protest against a fuel hike in Ilorin has ignited widespread outrage and calls for justice, prompting the intervention of the Nigerian Police Force’s highest echelons.
On October 16, 2024, the Kwara State Police Command formally charged three dismissed officers—Inspectors Abiodun Kayode and James Samuel, alongside Sergeant Oni Philip—with criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide. This significant legal action followed a directive from Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, who, responding to the public outcry, mandated a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The inquiry unveiled grave misconduct on the part of the officers, who were found to have abandoned their posts and abused their authority. This misconduct ultimately resulted in their dismissal from the Nigeria Police Force on October 4, 2024.
The implications of Ishola’s death extend beyond the immediate tragedy. It has catalyzed crucial discussions regarding the need for reform in police practices, particularly concerning the treatment of citizens expressing their dissent. With the legal proceedings now underway, there is cautious optimism among the public that justice will prevail for Ishola and his grieving family. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles for accountability and transparency within law enforcement agencies, highlighting the vital need for systemic change in the approach to civil protests in Nigeria.