On Tuesday, July 16, 2024, the joint security team of Kogi State Polytechnic Lokoja made a significant arrest during the ongoing second-semester examination for the 2023/2024 academic session. Three students of the institution, along with five others suspected to be members of a secret society and involved in drug peddling, were apprehended.
The students, all enrolled in HND II in the Department of Business Administration, were identified as Ajayi Oluwaseun Oladipo (Matric No. 2022/HND/BUS/275), Isenre Elijah Ayomide (Matric No. 2022/HND/BUS/146), and Omonijo Sunday (Matric No. 2022/HND/BUS/181).
The five non-students from Ekiti State but based in Abuja were Otitoju Christopher, Babatope Ayomide, Isaiah Babatunde, Shina Ayodeji, and Makinde Olalekan.
The arrests were a result of proactive measures implemented by the institution’s management to prevent the infiltration of cultists, outlawed groups, and individuals planning to bring guns and other dangerous weapons onto the campus. These individuals reportedly collaborated with cybercrime suspects, known as “Yahoo Yahoo,” to cause harm and chaos during the ongoing examination period.
Their plan was disguised as an end-of-examination graduation celebration, which the management had previously banned due to security concerns. Leading up to the examination, the Polytechnic Management received intelligence reports indicating that individuals involved in cybercrime, cultism, and illicit drug activities were planning to bring members from other states and institutions to disrupt the campus.
To prevent a recurrence of the incident that occurred on Monday, additional security measures were implemented in anticipation of Tuesday, July 16, 2024. On this day, HND II students from the Department of Accountancy, Library and Information Sciences, and Business Administration were scheduled to take their final exams.
Three students and their hired accomplices were apprehended thanks to the enhanced security arrangements and a tip-off. The suspects claimed to be from Ekiti State but were based in Abuja. They were intercepted at the main entrance of the Polytechnic gate while travelling in a motorcade. The driver of the second car managed to escape on foot.
Upon searching the vehicles, suspected hard drugs, papers cut into small sizes for wrapping drugs, and a beret cap bearing a symbol associated with a cult group were discovered. The apprehended suspects were found in possession of these items, along with two cars – a light green Mercedes Benz Saloon with registration number EKITI STATE MUE – 598 – AE and a black Toyota Lexus Saloon with registration number EBONYI STATE SKA – 78 – AE. Additionally, various types of drugs, remnants of N14,000 in naira notes, a beret cap with a suspected cult symbol, and an MP3 player were seized and handed over to the Nigeria Police at the B Division in Lokoja.
Under the leadership of Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, the current administration has worked diligently to address security concerns at the Polytechnic. Before this, the institution was plagued by incidents of cult violence, including parades, gunshots, and targeted killings at the end of each academic session. This led to a climate of fear, causing management, lecturers, and staff to abandon the campus to protect their lives. Tragically, during this period, a lecturer was fatally stabbed on the Polytechnic grounds.
It is evident that the disruptive elements that once held sway on campus, like demigods, have been successfully removed. The Rector praised the collaborative efforts of the Examination Security Management Committee, the Joint Security Team, and the Intelligence Team for effectively thwarting any potential threats.
During his address, the Rector urged the ND II students to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the Security Unit to prevent any infiltration by undesirable elements. He also advised parents and guardians to closely monitor their children’s behaviour, sources of income, associations, and movements to prevent involvement in criminal activities, as those caught engaging in such behaviour within the Polytechnic will face the consequences.
Furthermore, the Rector issued a stern warning to non-students seeking to engage in cult activities or other illicit behaviours on campus, emphasizing that they would face legal repercussions if they did not cease. All community members must uphold the institution’s values and maintain a safe and conducive learning environment.
Uredo Omale writes from Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja
