The Kwara State Police Command has dismissed three officers allegedly responsible for the death of Qoyum Abdulyekeen Ishola, a student of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, who was fatally shot on September 4, 2024.
The officers—Inspectors Abiodun Kayode, James Emmanuel, and Sergeant Oni Phillip—were officially dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force on October 4, 2024, following an internal disciplinary trial. Their dismissal paves the way for their imminent arraignment in court.
This development follows a tragic incident in which Qoyum, who had just completed his National Diploma (ND) program, was reportedly shot by the officers at a police checkpoint in the Zango area of Ilorin. According to reports, the officers opened fire after the student allegedly refused to hand over money. Qoyum sustained a gunshot wound to his right hand and was rushed to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, where he later died due to excessive blood loss.
The incident sparked widespread protests by students of the polytechnic, as well as public outrage from family members, relatives, and concerned citizens who demanded justice for the slain student.
In a statement released late Monday, Kwara State Police Command spokesperson Ejire Adeyemi Adetoun confirmed the officers’ dismissal. Titled “Final Update on the Case of Qoyum Abdulyekeen Ishola”, the statement revealed that after a thorough investigation, the three officers were found guilty of several charges, including leaving their duty post, engaging in corrupt practices, and unlawfully exercising their authority.
“The Kwara State Police Command wishes to provide an important update regarding the investigation into the tragic incident involving the loss of Qoyum Abdulyekeen Ishola on 4th September, 2024,” the statement read.
It further explained that the officers’ actions were in violation of the code of conduct expected from police personnel. “They have been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force, with effect from 4th October, 2024. They will be arraigned in court soonest,” the statement confirmed.
The Command also highlighted the commitment of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to maintaining professionalism, justice, and accountability within the force. The statement emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force will continue to uphold the highest ethical standards and that any breach, particularly those leading to the loss of life, will not go unpunished.
The police urged the public to remain patient and continue to trust in the legal process, assuring citizens that the law would take its course in ensuring justice is served.
