Ilorin, Nigeria – Kwara State University (KWASU) confirmed on Tuesday that the individual reportedly beaten to death by police in the Tanke area of Ilorin was a former student of the institution.
Ayeyemi Sulaiman, 27, allegedly died following an encounter with police officers who allegedly assaulted him after attempting to use a Point of Sale (POS) machine in the area.
Eyewitnesses reported that Sulaiman was dragged to the ground and struck on the head with a gun by officers who appeared from a tricycle, resulting in his death.
KWASU, however, clarified in a statement signed by the Acting Director of University Relations, Dr Saeedat Aliyu, that Sulaiman had voluntarily withdrawn from the Department of Statistics in the 2018/2019 session.
“The management of Kwara State University strongly sympathises with the family of the deceased and prays that God gives the family the fortitude to bear the loss,” the university’s statement read.
The Kwara State Police Command also confirmed the incident. According to spokesperson DSP Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, Sulaiman was reportedly under investigation for cheating and breach of trust, which led to the police engagement.
Following his death, officers involved have been arrested and are facing an orderly room trial at the Police Headquarters in Ilorin.
Authorities continue their investigation as the incident adds to ongoing scrutiny over police conduct in the state.