In a recent incident on the university campus, a suspected criminal was apprehended in possession of a pistol and cartridges. The individual, identified as Qoyum Atobatele, a former student of the Department of Civil Engineering of the institution, was caught in the company of other suspects as they attempted to enter the institution through the Apete gate. It was at this point that security operatives spotted them.
Despite the other suspects fleeing, Atobatele was caught in possession of a bag containing a homemade pistol, six cartridges, two of which had already been used, as well as the identity card of one of the students of the institution, Habeeb Adekunle Okunade, enrolled in the Department of Public Administration. During interrogation, Atobatele stated that the bag belonged to Okunade who, according to information gathered, was among the fugitives.
Following his arrest, Atobatele was handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution. The institution’s spokesperson, Soladoye Adewole, stressed the institution’s zero tolerance for cultism and any form of crime and assured that the matter would be fully investigated.
Vigilance by the security teams has ensured that a safe environment has been maintained and individuals with questionable behaviour have been kept out of the institution. However, a handful of them continue to operate in neighbouring communities.
On the other hand, Atobatele, who is awaiting his assignment for national service, will have to answer for his actions in court, while being subjected to an internal disciplinary procedure. As for Okunade, once found, he will also be handed over to the police and subjected to the institution’s disciplinary procedures.
This incident highlights the importance of security on university campuses and underscores the administration’s determination to stamp out any form of criminality. It is essential that educational institutions remain safe and conducive environments for learning, free from any external threats.