Ogun Police Accused of Assaulting Polytechnic Students

Students of Gateway Institute of Technology in Ogun State accused police officers of brutality and unlawful detention after a student was arrested, prompting protests, condemnation from NANS, and an official police investigation into the incident.

Students of the Gateway Institute of Technology in Igbesa, Ogun State, have accused officers of the Ogun State Police Command of brutality and unlawful detention following an incident that occurred on Tuesday.

According to reports, the situation began after police officers allegedly stopped and searched a student, discovering what was described as “black soap” in his possession. The student was reportedly arrested and detained, prompting members of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), led by President Ilo Temitope, to intervene at the police station.

In a video circulating online, Temitope explained that he visited the station after hearing about the arrest from fellow students gathered outside. He said efforts to meet with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) were unsuccessful, as officers allegedly instructed them to return the following day. The students then began chanting solidarity songs in protest over the detention.

Temitope further claimed that tensions escalated when some armed officers arrived at the scene. According to him, one officer allegedly attempted to intimidate the students by cocking his gun as though he intended to shoot. He added that the DPO later appeared during the confrontation.

Another video from the scene showed a male student wearing a blue polo shirt with blood visible around his mouth while speaking angrily outside the station. The student accused the officers of intimidation and assault despite the students not engaging in violence.

A female voice heard in the background of the footage also alleged that the SUG president had been beaten inside the station and claimed that the DPO participated in the assault.

Reacting to the incident, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), through its Public Relations Officer, Adeyemi Ajasa, condemned the alleged attack on the students. The association described the incident as disturbing and unacceptable, stating that such actions violate students’ fundamental rights and threaten peaceful student union activities in tertiary institutions.

NANS called for an immediate investigation into the matter and demanded that any officers found responsible be identified and disciplined accordingly.

In addition, SUG presidents from eight tertiary institutions across Ogun State jointly demanded a public apology from the Igbesa Police Division. They also requested disciplinary measures against officers allegedly involved in the assault and unlawful detention, as well as stronger protection for students against harassment and intimidation by security operatives.

Responding to the allegations, the spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, had ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.

Babaseyi assured the public that the command was taking the matter seriously and promised that due process would be followed to determine the facts. He added that any officer found guilty of misconduct would face appropriate disciplinary action in line with police regulations.

The police command also reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, discipline, and respect for citizens’ rights, including those of students, while urging the public to remain calm as investigations continue.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, DAILY POST