Mob kills 500L student of OAU over alleged phone theft

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

A 500-level Student of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Okoli Chizoputam, has been killed by fellow students over alleged phone theft.

It was gathered that the deceased was beaten inside Awo Hall on Monday.

The student was rushed to the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife after complications on Tuesday.

Doctors on duty, however confirmed him dead when he was brought to the Accident and Emergency Unit of the hospital.

The management of the institution, in its reaction, condemned the killing, describing it as unfortunate.

A statement by Abiodun Olarewaju, the Public Relations Officer of the University, on Tuesday stated that preliminary investigation confirmed that the student died of a mob action on the allegation that he stole a phone.

Olarewaju said the Vice Chancellor, Prof Adebayo Simeon Bamire, has set up a committee to unravel the circumstances that led to the incident.

“The action of the mob, being a violation of the law of the country and of the University regulations, has been reported to the police who have commenced investigations.

“The University administration hereby commiserates with the parents of the deceased, staff and students, and prays that God will grant us the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

“Students are strongly admonished to desist from taking laws into their hands and to report any criminal activities to the University authorities for immediate actions,” he said.