OAU Final Year Student Lynched For Phone Theft

Okoli Ahize

Okoli Ahize, a final year student of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has been allegedly beaten to death by an angry mob over allegations of theft.

The unfortunate incident was said to have occurred on Monday at the Awolowo Hall of Residence of the institution.

The deceased was said to be a Part 5 student of the Department of Civil Engineering.

The Public Relations Officer of the institution, Mr Abiodun Olarewaju, confirmed the incident in a statement sent to The Punch on Tuesday

He noted that the university management condemned the action and had set up a panel to investigate the matter.

“The administration of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, has condemned, in strong terms, the incident that led to the death of a Part 5 student of the institution.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the student died of a mob action on the allegation that he stole a phone.

“Saddened by this ugly development which he described as unfortunate, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Bamire, has set up a committee to unravel the circumstances that led to this incident,” Olarewaju stated.

Confirming the incident as well, the Students’ Union President, Olayiwola Festus, described the action as inhumane and pledged justice.