By Okoli Ahize Chizoputam, a final-year student at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, was reportedly beaten to death over a phone theft accusation.
According to sources who spoke to Punch, the engineering student was severely thrashed after being accused of stealing a cell phone on April 10, 2023, in Awo Hall.
His condition deteriorated as a result of the assault he endured, and on Tuesday, April 11, he was pronounced dead at the OAU Teaching Hospital in Ile-Ife.
Abiodun Olanrewaju, the university’s public relations officer, confirmed the student’s death and said an investigation is still ongoing.
“The management is looking into the circumstances leading up to a student’s death. After an investigation, we will announce our position,” he said.
In contrast, the deceased was allegedly attacked by a mob on Monday at Awo Hall and was subsequently pronounced dead upon arrival at the OAU Teaching Hospital, according to a statement from the president of the Great Ife Students’ Union, Folahan Olayiwola.
“I regret to report the passing of a Part 5 student who was attacked by a crowd on Monday at Awo Hall. This afternoon (Tuesday), the student was pronounced deceased upon arrival at the OAU Teaching Hospital’s Emergency Department, according to Olayiwola.
“Early results of the investigation indicate that the deceased was charged with phone theft. I must say that this occurrence is a very sad one for the Great Ife Students’ Union because our union is not yet in a position to comment until we have received an official report from the law enforcement agencies.
