IBADAN, NIGERIA — The Oyo State Police Command has denied reports that it charged a student, Al-Amin Mohammed, over an N8,000 debt before he died by suicide, clarifying that he was charged for assault and not for owing money.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Adewale Osifeso, in Ibadan. He was reacting to reports that the student was arrested and charged to court over an N8,000 debt, which allegedly drove him to take his own life.
According to the police, the deceased was involved in a dispute with a complainant who alleged that he had assaulted her during an argument over the debt. The police said the case was investigated, and the student was charged to court for assault, not for the debt.
“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to set the record straight regarding the unfortunate incident. The deceased was not charged to court over an N8,000 debt. He was charged for assault following a complaint by one of the parties involved in the dispute. The matter was investigated, and the suspect was granted bail before the incident occurred,” the statement read.
The police expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and urged the public to refrain from spreading misinformation that could inflame tensions. They also urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist with the investigation.
The death of Al-Amin Mohammed, a student of a tertiary institution in Oyo State, sparked outrage on social media after reports emerged that he had been arrested and charged to court over an N8,000 debt. Many Nigerians expressed anger over the circumstances surrounding his death, with some accusing the police of insensitivity and high-handedness.
The Oyo State Government has also expressed sadness over the incident and called for a thorough investigation. The Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr. Wasilat Adegoke, said the government would ensure that justice is served and that the welfare of students is protected.
“We commiserate with the family of the deceased. We urge the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and to ensure that justice is done. The government will also take steps to address the issues that may have contributed to this tragedy,” Adegoke said.
The student’s death has sparked a debate about the treatment of debtors in Nigeria and the role of the police in civil disputes. Legal experts have noted that the police should not be used as debt collectors, as debt recovery is a civil matter that should be handled by the courts. They also stressed the need for greater sensitivity in handling cases involving young people.
As the investigation continues, the police have urged the public to remain calm and to allow the law to take its course. For now, the family of the deceased is mourning the loss of a young life, while the nation reflects on the circumstances that led to his death.
