The Kwara State Police have arrested three officers following the death of Suleiman Olayinka, a 27-year-old student at Kwara State University (KWASU), who was allegedly assaulted by the officers in Ilorin on Tuesday.
The tragic incident, according to reports occurred at Tanke Bridge around 2 p.m. after Olayinka disembarked from a motorcycle to retrieve N1,000 from a Point of Sale (POS) operator.
An eyewitness, who was with Olayinka at the time, recounted the ordeal, “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 Olayinka, who had a history of asthma, pleaded for mercy, informing the officers of his condition, but they ignored him.
The police command spokesperson, DSP Ejire Adeyemi Toun, confirmed the incident, saying in a statement, “The Kwara State police command is aware of this unfortunate incident which led to the sudden death of Suleiman Olayinka.”
The spokesperson clarified that a complaint of cheating and criminal breach of trust had been filed against the deceased, which led to the officers’ intervention.
Following the incident, the three officers were arrested and are currently under investigation.
Toun assured the public that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
