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The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has set up a committee to probe the death of Okoli Ahize, a final year student, who was beaten to death on suspicion that he stole a mobile phone.

Multiple sources in the Campus said the 500 level student in the Department of Civil Engineering was severely beaten by a mob on Monday, after he was accused of stealing a mobile phone in Awo Hall on Monday.

As a result of the beating, Ahize’s health greatly deteriorated around noon on Tuesday and he was rushed to the OAU Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, where he was confirmed dead.

The university’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Abiodun Olanrewaju, who had earlier admitted a Student died but declined commenting on the incident till after investigation has revealed the University has set up a Committee to probe the Sudent death.

In a statement late on Tuesday, the University PRO who described the action of the mob as barbaric and inhumane said the matter has also been reported to the Police.

Part of Mr Olanrewaju statement reads:

“Saddened by this ugly development which he described as unfortunate, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Simeon Bamire, has set up a committee to unravel the circumstances that led to this incident.

“The action of the mob, being a violation of the law of the country and of the University regulations, has been reported to the police who have commenced investigations.

“The University administration hereby commiserates with the parents of the deceased, staff and students, and prays that God will grant us the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

Mr Olanrewaju admonished Students to stop taking laws into their hands but rather report criminal activities to relevant authorities for proper sanctions.

The Student Union Government (SUG) President, Folahan Olayiwola, who had earlier released a statement, condemning the attack banned all activities at the Awo Hall, pending investigations.

Olayiwola, described the incident as most inhumane and promised that justice must be served accordingly, irrespective of those involved in the mob action.

His statement reads:

“I regret to announce the death of a Part 5 student assaulted in a mob action at Awo Hall yesterday (Monday).

“The student was declared dead on arrival at the Emergency Medicine Department of OAU Teaching Hospital this (Tuesday) afternoon.

“Preliminary investigations show that the deceased was accused to have stolen a phone.

“While we await an official report from the law enforcement agencies, I must state that this incident is a very sad one for Great Ife Students’ Union because our union is not a union of barbarians but that of intellectuals.

“Arrests and investigations of individuals suspected to be connected with the assault of the deceased are being made for consequent legal actions.

“Our union does not support mob actions and justice must be served in this incident. Pending investigations of this unfortunate development, the activities of the Hall Executive Council of Awo Hall are suspended immediately.

“Mob actions are banned and not allowed on the OAU campus! I reassure Great Ife students that the union is working assiduously with the school authorities and the relevant law enforcement officers to make sure that justice is meted out appropriately.”