…Researched and contributed by Solomon Thomas.
Two suspects have been arrested by the police in Osun State, Nigeria in connection with the murder of a student at Obafemi Awolowo University.
The police also disclosed that it had begun a discreet investigation into the matter.
The incident occurred when a lifeless body of Okoli Ahize Chizoputam was allegedly taken to the accident and emergency unit of OAUTHC by some students of the institution.
The deceased was alleged to have stolen a phone at Awo Hall of the institution and was beaten to a coma by some of his fellow students, which eventually led to his death.
In response to the killing, the Police Command expressed its sadness and commiserated with the parents of the deceased and the staff of the Institution, praying that they would be granted the fortitude to bear the loss.
The Command also warned members of the public and students to desist from any act of jungle justice or taking the law into their hands.
The Police advised that the rule of law should be followed, and any criminal activity or behavior should be reported to the Police or other relevant authorities.
The death of Okolie Arinze has sparked protests by students of the Obafemi Awolowo University, who barricaded the Student Union Building (SUB).
The University management condemned the incident and promised to get to the cause of the incident.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, has set up a committee to unravel the circumstances that led to the incident.
The Chief Security Officer of the institution addressed the students, assuring them that the perpetrators would be justly treated.
The incident is an unfortunate reminder of the prevalence of jungle justice and mob violence in Nigeria.
Although the reasons behind the theft and the subsequent beating that led to the student’s death are yet to be fully established, it is important to stress that no one should be subjected to extrajudicial punishment or be denied the right to a fair trial.
The rule of law must always be upheld, and any criminal activity should be reported to the relevant authorities.
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