Okoli Chizoputam: OAU students beat final year student to death over alleged phone theft

A final year student of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Okoli Chizoputam, was on Monday, April 10, killed by an angry mob made up of students of the institution over alleged phone theft.

The deceased, identified as 28-year-old Okoli Ahize Chizoputam, a student from the Department of Civil Engineering was accused of stealing a phone by some students who proceeded to beat him up till he passed out, at Awo Hall, on the university campus.

He was taken to the Emergency Medicine Department of OAU Teaching Hospital after his health deteriorated due to the beatings but was declared dead on arrival.

It is believed that the torturing of students who are alleged to have committed an offense is a common practice by the students of the university titled ”Maximum Scientific Shishi”, and it is always moderated by the Hall Chairperson.

A statement issued by the SUG President of the institution, Olayiwole Folahan Festus, condemned the mob action and described it as inhumane and barbaric. He pledged to ensure justice is meted out accordingly. He also announced the suspension of the activities of the Executive Council of Awo Hall pending the outcome of the investigation.