Fatshimetrie: The issue of lawfulness and accountability in law enforcement is an increasingly pressing concern in our modern society. Recently, a tragic incident took place in Kwara State, Nigeria, once again highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability in the police force.
The case of Qoyum Abdulyekeen Ishola, a student of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, who tragically passed away on September 4, 2024, has sparked outrage and demands for justice. The three police officers involved in his death, Inspectors Abiodun Kayode, James Emmanuel and Sergeant Oni Phillip, were dismissed after an internal trial and will be arraigned in court.
According to reports, Qoyum was shot dead at a police checkpoint over an alleged refusal to give money. The circumstances surrounding his death sparked massive protests by his peers at the polytechnic and highlighted the potential abuse of power and the importance of accountability by law enforcement agencies.
Police spokesperson Ejire Adeyemi Adetoun in his statement stressed the commitment of the authorities to maintaining law and order and ensuring that such incidents do not go unpunished. The decision to dismiss the three officers is a clear demonstration of the authorities’ commitment to ensuring integrity and accountability within the police force.
The intervention of the Kwara State Police in this matter highlights the importance of justice, transparency and accountability in policing. Loss of lives due to abuse of power cannot be tolerated and strict measures must be taken to ensure that such incidents do not recur.
In conclusion, the case of Qoyum Abdulyekeen Ishola highlights the need for a thorough reform of the way law enforcement operates, in order to ensure the protection of citizens’ rights and to maintain public trust in the institutions charged with protecting them. Accountability and transparency must be at the heart of the actions of the police force in order to avoid such tragedies in the future.