RismadarVoice Reporters, March 30, 2026
The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Olabisi Onabanjo University has accused officers of the Nigerian Police Force of assaulting student leaders and firing shots at unarmed students during a protest at the Oru-Ijebu Police Station in Ogun State.
The allegation follows a confrontation at the police division, which the Ogun State Police Command had earlier denied, insisting that no student was detained during the incident.
In a statement issued on Sunday and co-signed by SUG President Kehinde Bamigbose and General Secretary Olajire Emmanuel, the union said the crisis began after reports that some students were arrested under what it described as “unclear and questionable” circumstances.
According to the union, its Legal Director visited the station to verify the situation and engage officers but was allegedly assaulted.
“While carrying out his legitimate duty, our legal director was subjected to degrading treatment; physically assaulted, kicked, and violently manhandled, including being choked by officers,” the statement said.
The union further alleged that another student present at the station was slapped during the encounter, describing the actions as a violation of human rights and professional conduct.
It added that the SUG President and other student leaders later arrived at the station in an attempt to de-escalate tensions, but the situation worsened.
“Rather than engage constructively, the police officers resorted to reckless violence. Without justification, they opened fire on unarmed students,” the union claimed.
The SUG alleged that one student sustained a gunshot wound to the hand, while several others were assaulted, arrested – leading to panic within the area.
“Innocent bystanders and students were subjected to fear, intimidation, and physical harm,” the statement added.
Condemning the incident as an abuse of power, the union demanded an immediate investigation, prosecution of officers involved, medical care and compensation for affected students, and the unconditional release of those allegedly detained.
However, the Ogun State Police Command, in an earlier statement signed by its spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, dismissed the claims, maintaining that no student was detained following the reported confrontation.
The incident has sparked controversy, with conflicting accounts from the police and the students, raising concerns over the conduct of law enforcement and the safety of students during engagements with security agencies.
