Tobias Sylvester
Okoli Ahinze, a final year student of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has been allegedly beaten to death by a mob over alleged phone theft.
It was gathered that the 500-level student was severely beaten in the institution after he was accused of stealing a mobile phone in Awo Hall on Monday.
On Tuesday, he was rushed to the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Teaching Hospital Ile-Ife where he was confirmed dead by doctors in the afternoon.
A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Abiodun Olanrewaju, confirmed that the student died of a mob action on the allegation that he stole a phone.
Olanrewaju also revealed that the Vice Chancellor, Prof Adebayo Bamire who described the ugly development as unfortunate, set up a committee to investigate the circumstances that led to this incident.
The statement reads, “The administration of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, has condemned, in strong terms, the incident that led to the death of a Part 5 student of the institution.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the student died of a mob action on the allegation that he stole a phone.
“The action of the mob, being a violation of the law of the country and of the University regulations, has been reported to the police who have commenced investigations.
“The University administration hereby commiserates with the parents of the deceased, staff and students, and prays that God will grant us the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“Students are strongly admonished to desist from taking laws into their hands and to report any criminal activities to the University authorities for immediate actions.”
The President of Great Ife Students’ Union, Folahan Olayiwola, in a statement, assured that every necessary assistance that law enforcement might need from the union if at its disposal, would be rendered to discourage such an inhuman act in society.
The statement read, “I regret to announce the death of a Part 5 student assaulted in a mob action at Awo Hall yesterday (Monday). The student was declared dead on arrival at the Emergency Medicine Department of OAU Teaching Hospital this (Tuesday) afternoon.
“Preliminary investigations show that the deceased was accused to have stolen a phone. While we await an official report from the law enforcement agencies, I must state that this incident is a very sad one for Great Ife Students’ Union because our union is not a union of barbarians but that of intellectuals.
“Arrests and investigations of individuals suspected to be connected with the assault of the deceased are being made for consequent legal actions. Our union does not support mob actions and justice must be served in this incident.
“Pending investigations of this unfortunate development, the activities of the Hall Executive Council of Awo Hall are suspended immediately.”
Olayiwola, who described the incident as most inhumane, insisted that justice must be served accordingly irrespective of those involved.
“Mob actions are banned and not allowed on the OAU campus! I reassure Great Ife students that the union is working assiduously with the school authorities and the relevant law enforcement officers to make sure that justice is meted out appropriately,” he added.
KanyiDaily had also reported how 66-year-old OAU lecturer, Professor Joseph Opefeyitimi was accused of sexually assaulting a 25-year-old female student, Boluwatife Bababunmi.
