AIG Ewah orders release of Ede Poly student after alleged police assault
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo —
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 11 Headquarters, Osogbo, AIG Bassey S. Ewah, has ordered the immediate release of a student arrested following an alleged assault by police operatives at the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, on Wednesday.
The incident attracted public attention after a video circulated online showing two police officers dragging a male student out of his hostel room. Reports also alleged that operatives of the Zone 11 Cybercrime Unit forcefully entered a hostel occupied by male and female students and assaulted some occupants.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ojedele Olanrewaju Tunji, said Ewah had assured the students of a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault by operatives of the Zone 11 Cybercrime Unit.
The AIG, after meeting with representatives of the student body and the affected suspects, emphasised the need for accountability and professionalism in the discharge of police duties.
He added that the outcome of the investigation would be made public upon its conclusion, while urging members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC), Osun State Chapter, has commended Ewah for his swift intervention and professional response.
In a statement signed by its State Chairman, Lion Olayemi Olaribigbe, the Congress described the AIG’s intervention as a demonstration of responsive leadership, professionalism and respect for the fundamental rights of citizens, particularly young people who deserve to be treated with dignity and fairness.
The NYC said the police chief’s willingness to address the concerns raised had helped ease tension and restore confidence among the affected youths, their families and the wider student community. It also reiterated the need for security agencies to respect human rights and the rule of law in their operations.
