The Kogi State Police Command has clarified how Andrew Amehson, a final year student of Prince Abubakar Audu University was assaulted and tortured to death by security guards attached to Nana College of Nursing and Medical Sciences, Okpo in Olamaboro Local Government Area of the state.
The incident which occurred in the early hours of April 26th, started as the deceased, reported to be mentally challenged, allegedly attempted to gain unlawful entry into the school premises.
In a statement on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, the Police said Amehson was subsequently intercepted by security personnel employed by the college while on duty within the premises.
“During the course of the incident, the individual was allegedly assaulted by the said security personnel. He was found unresponsive at the scene by school staff at the time of the report. He sustained severe injuries and was immediately evacuated to a medical facility, where he was later confirmed dead. The scene was professionally processed by Police investigators, and relevant exhibits were recovered to aid the ongoing investigation.
“Homicide detectives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) have been deployed to the ccrime scene to conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation into the incident.
“Preliminary findings have revealed the identities of the security personnel involved. However, they are currently at large, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend them and ensure they are brought in for proper investigation and prosecution,” the statement said.
While calling for calm, the Police condemned all forms of excessive use of force and mob action, and reiterated that private security personnel, vigilante groups, and similar outfits are not authorized to inflict punishment on any individual under any circumstances.
It further noted that the duties of private securities are “strictly limited to lawful apprehension on reasonable suspicion and immediate handover to the Police for proper investigation. Members of the public are therefore urged to remain calm and allow the law to take its full course in the interest of justice and due process.”
The Command also promised a thorough, transparent and professional investigation into the incident.
