Human rights activist and former Senator Shehu Sani has called on Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged killing of Sulayman Olayinka, a student of Kwara State University.
The call came after reports surfaced that the 27-year-old was killed by police officers in the Tanke area of Ilorin, Kwara State.
Shehu Sani, who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th National Assembly, raised concerns about the conduct of the officers, emphasizing that their alleged physical assault on Olayinka reflects poorly on their character. “Action must be taken now,” Sani said in a post on X, responding to news of the student’s death.
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed on Saturday that several officers had been detained in connection with Olayinka’s death. Witnesses claim that Olayinka was approached by three officers after he dismounted a motorcycle. He had just withdrawn N1,000 from a point-of-sale (PoS) operator to pay the motorcycle fare when, according to an eyewitness, the officers exited a tricycle, dragged him to the ground, and ignored his pleas. “He kept asking what he had done wrong,” the source said, adding that Olayinka, who was asthmatic, informed the officers of his condition, but they allegedly disregarded his pleas.
This tragic incident follows another recent case of alleged police brutality in Kwara. Three weeks ago, three police officers were dismissed and prosecuted after allegedly killing Quoyum Abdulyekeen, a 21-year-old student of Kwara State Polytechnic, during a stop-and-search operation in Ilorin.
Sani’s public call adds to the growing demand for reforms within the force to address issues of misconduct and protect the lives of citizens.
