A fresh controversy has emerged between students of Olabisi Onabanjo University Students’ Union Government and the Nigerian Police Force following a protest at the Oru-Ijebu Police Station in Ogun State, with both sides giving conflicting accounts of what transpired.
The students’ union has accused police officers of assaulting its leaders and firing shots at unarmed students during the protest. However, the Ogun State Police Command has denied the allegations, insisting that no student was detained and that the situation did not unfold as claimed.
According to a statement released by the union on Sunday and co-signed by its president, Kehinde Bamigbose, and general secretary, Olajire Emmanuel, the crisis started after reports surfaced that some students had been arrested under what they described as “unclear and questionable” circumstances.
The union said its Legal Director visited the police station to confirm the situation and ensure that the rights of the students were protected.
“In a bid to ensure due process and protect the rights of our students, the Legal Director proceeded to the station to ascertain the situation and engage the officers in a lawful and civil manner,” the statement said.
However, the union alleged that the visit quickly turned violent.
The students’ body claimed that its Legal Director was physically assaulted by police officers while trying to carry out his duties.
“Shockingly, while carrying out his legitimate duty, our Legal Director was subjected to degrading treatment — he was physically assaulted, kicked, and violently manhandled, including being choked by officers,” the statement added.
It also alleged that another student who accompanied the Legal Director was slapped during the encounter.
The union described these actions as a violation of human dignity and professional conduct expected from law enforcement officers.
Such allegations have raised concerns among students and rights groups, especially in a country where tensions between youths and the police have been high in recent years. Incidents involving claims of police brutality have often sparked protests, most notably during the End SARS protests, which called for reforms in policing across Nigeria.
Following reports of the alleged assault, the union said its president and other student leaders moved to the police station to calm the situation and seek dialogue.
“Upon receiving this disturbing update, the President, accompanied by other student leaders, arrived at the station to peacefully intervene and de-escalate the situation,” the statement said.
But what was meant to be a peaceful intervention reportedly escalated further.
The union alleged that police officers responded with force, including the use of live ammunition.
“Rather than engage constructively, the police officers resorted to reckless violence. Without justification, they opened fire on unarmed students,” the statement claimed.
It further alleged that a student was shot in the hand, while several others were beaten and arrested.
The union also claimed that the gunfire caused panic in the area, affecting not just students but also passersby.
“Innocent bystanders and students were subjected to fear, intimidation, and physical harm,” the statement added.
In response, the Ogun State Police Command dismissed the allegations.
In a statement issued late Saturday and signed by its spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, the command said no student was detained during the incident.
The police maintained that the situation at the Oru-Ijebu Division did not involve the level of violence described by the students.
While the statement did not give full details of what happened, it rejected claims of unlawful detention and excessive force.
The conflicting accounts have made it difficult to establish exactly what happened, leaving many observers calling for an independent investigation.
The students’ union has described the incident as an abuse of power and said it will not accept intimidation or violence against its members.
“We find it utterly unacceptable that officers entrusted with maintaining law and order would instead become agents of terror against the very citizens they are meant to protect,” the union said.
It listed several demands, including:
An immediate and transparent investigation into the incident
Prosecution of officers found guilty
Medical treatment and compensation for injured students
Unconditional release of any students allegedly detained
The union also called on relevant authorities, including the Ogun State Government and human rights organisations, to intervene.
This incident comes at a time when relations between Nigerian youths and the police remain sensitive. The End SARS protests of 2020 highlighted widespread complaints about police misconduct, including harassment, unlawful arrests, and excessive use of force.
Although the government disbanded the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and promised reforms, many young Nigerians say they have yet to see significant changes in police behaviour.
Student unions across the country have also become more active in defending students’ rights, especially in cases involving security agencies.
At universities like Olabisi Onabanjo University, student bodies often play a key role in mediating conflicts between students and authorities, including law enforcement.
Human rights advocates argue that if the students’ claims are proven, it would represent a serious breach of the law and professional standards.
On the other hand, if the police account is accurate, it raises questions about misinformation and the need for responsible reporting during tense situations.
As of now, no independent body has released a verified account of what happened at the Oru-Ijebu Police Station.
The situation remains tense, with students demanding justice and the police standing by their version of events.