By: Toheeb Babalola
In an effort to strengthen and maintain mutual relationship between the Nigerian Police Force and the Oyo State Students, the Vice Chairman (special duties) of the National Association of the Nigerian Students, Join Campus Committee (Oyo State), Comr.Olakunle Olaniyan together with his Directors, has paid a courtesy visit to the branches of the Nigerian Police Force in Ibadan.
A team of five led by the Vice Chairman (Special Duties), Comrade Olakunle Olaniyan, appeared before the Divisional Police Officers, DPOs, at Sango and Apete Stations on Wednesday 18th – Thursday 19th October, 2023, respectfully.
Acknowledging the efforts of the Nigerian Police in protecting the lives and properties of the citizens across the country, Comrade Olakunle Olaniyan gave unreserved accolades to the Sango and Apete Police Divisions for their proactive responses during riots on Campuses most especially at The Polytechnic, Ibadan.
Olaniyan tabled harassment of students and forceful hijacking of smartphones by the Operatives of the Nigerian Police within the jurisdiction. Pleading that the leadership of the Nigerian Students are set to work with the Force to avoid brutality at students’ areas.
He cleared the Police Force that NANS’ Oyo JCC are working tirelessly to ensure a peaceful academic environment on all Campuses in Oyo State by collaborating with relevant security agencies.
Reacting to the allegations against the Force, the Divisional Police Officer at Sango, CSP Prince Adesina, stated that unlawful arrest and extortion of students by his men has never happened before. Adding that if any student is being detained or arrested without committing a crime, there is nothing like payment before release.
Adesina whom people tagged with the name, Ko gbà Owó, kò gbà obí, noted that no police officer has the right to stop any civilian for smartphone inspection except for investigation purposes.
“Students shouldn’t misuse opportunities given to them and they should at all times be law abiding citizens. They should not be walking around or mingling around on what can implicate them”, he advised.
Commending the student delegates, Apete Divisional Police Officer, CSP Akale Rufus Adegoke, confirmed that his station has never had any crime cases involving students.
Adegoke pledged to supply a Liaising Desk Officer to tighten the Students-Police relationship. Saying that the doors of the Police Force are open for any complaints and collaboration.
“Please, try and talk to your colleagues to stay away from drugs, because 80% of youth which also include students are being taken by the National Drug and Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, everyday”, he pleaded.
The team of five led by Olakunle Olaniyan comprises Director of Protocol, Comr. Rasaq Salawu O.;Dir. Transport and Logistics, Ajibade Toheeb Ademola and Dir. of media and publicity, Toheeb Babalola.
