A police officer in Kwara State has fatally shot Ishola Abdulqoyum, a student from Kwara State Polytechnic, after he allegedly refused to pay a bribe. The incident occurred on Panat Road, which connects Sango and ShopRite in Kwara State.
Abdulqoyum, an ND II part-time student in Electrical/Electronics Engineering, was on a commercial motorcycle when police stopped him. According to his brother, Abdullah, Abdulqoyum was ordered into a police patrol vehicle where officers demanded money. Abdulqoyum informed them he had no money, and while the officers attended to others, he attempted to leave the vehicle.
The police confiscated his phone and power bank but found no incriminating evidence. As Abdulqoyum tried to escape, he was pursued and shot by the officers. He was hit in the hand, suffering a severe injury. His last words were identifying himself as a member of the Ero family from Oke-Andi.
Despite being rushed to the hospital, Abdulqoyum, who had lost significant blood and received four units of blood, succumbed to his injuries early the next morning at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH). His death prompted protests at the Kwara State Police Command headquarters by his colleagues and family members demanding justice.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, noted via WhatsApp that police authorities and security agencies have been investigating the case. Abdulqoyum was buried at the Hausa Community Cemetery in accordance with Islamic customs.
Attempts to reach DSP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, for comment were unsuccessful.
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