The mysterious death of a 500-level Civil Engineering student of Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ile, Osun state, Okoli Chizoputam is currently raising suspicion across the school community.
Nigeriacrime.com learned that the student union alleged he died as a result of mob action inside Awo Hall of residence, where he was alleged to have stolen a phone, while others claim he slumped at the Student Union building after he was tortured.
However, the Students’ Union President, Olayiwole Festus on Tuesday, said that the deceased was mobbed by students at Awo Hall after he was accused of stealing a phone on Monday.
According to him; “I regret to announce the death of a Part 5 student assaulted in a mob action at Awo Hall yesterday. The student was declared dead on arrival at the Emergency Medicine Department of OAU Teaching Hospital this afternoon.
“Preliminary investigations show that the deceased was accused to have stolen a phone. While we await official reports from the law enforcement agencies, I must state that this incident is a very sad one for Great Ife Students’ Union because our Union is not a Union of barbarians but that of intellectuals.
“Arrests and investigations of individuals suspected to be connected with the assault of the deceased are being made for consequent legal actions. Our Union does not support mob actions and justice must be served in this incident. Pending investigations of this unfortunate development, the activities of Hall Executive Council of Awo Hall are suspended immediately.
“What has just happened is most inhumane. Justice must be served accordingly irrespective of who is involved. Mob actions are banned and not allowed on OAU campus!
However, a source in the University alleged that the deceased was not mobbed at Awo Hall but was handed over to the Students’Union leadership after the incident.
The source added that the deceased was allegedly tortured at the Union building, where he collapsed before he was rushed to the University medical centre.
“We heard that his situation got worse on Tuesday and was rushed to the University Teaching Hospital, where he was pronounced dead”, the source disclosed.
When contacted, the school’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju said “A student died. The school is investigating the death and the management will make its position known after the investigation.”