Three Police officers arrested over alleged murder of Student
Three police officers have been arrested and detained in connection with the death of Suleiman Olayinka, a student of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete.
Olayinka was reportedly beaten by the officers at Tanke Bridge in Ilorin, the state capital.
The arrest was confirmed by the spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, DSP Ejire Adeyemi Toun, in a statement issued on Friday.
The incident occurred on Tuesday around 2 p.m., when Olayinka disembarked from a motorcycle and was accosted by the officers. According to reports, the officers forcibly dragged him to the ground.
An eyewitness recounted that Olayinka had been at a Point of Sale (POS) operator’s location to collect N1,000 he had previously transferred. The money was intended for the motorcycle rider who had transported him.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“I was with him, as soon as he got the money, the officers came out of a tricycle and dragged him to the ground. The victim kept asking what offence he had committed, but they didn’t let him speak.”
The witness added that the victim begged the officers, alerting them that he was asthmatic, but they turned deaf ears.
In a reaction on Friday, the spokesperson said, “the Kwara State police command is aware of this unfortunate incident which led to the sudden death of Suleiman Olayinka (M) 27yrs.
“A complaint of cheating and criminal breach of trust was reported against the deceased. Police detectives were immediately detailed to investigate the case.
“Meanwhile the officers involved in the incident have been identified, arrested and detained for further investigations as regards the death of the suspect.
“Further updates will be provided promptly as investigations unfold,” the statement added.
