The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the Niger Delta Youth Leaders Front have called for an autopsy report regarding the tragic death of Jeffery Chamuke Akron, a Mechanical Engineering student at Ajayi Crowther University. They raise concerns that the actual perpetrators may not have been apprehended following Akron’s fatal beating by fellow students, allegedly over a phone theft accusation. Meanwhile, 25 individuals, suspected to be involved and aged between 18 and 34, were presented before the Chief Magistrate Court in Oyo State on Wednesday. They have been detained until July 8 pending further legal proceedings.
Akron, who lived in Shepherd Inn hostel on campus, was reportedly tortured by fellow students from Friday evening until Saturday morning.
NANS leaders visited the university on Wednesday to demand an autopsy for Akron, who hailed from Warri, Delta State. They aim to uncover the true perpetrators of the murder.
Comrade Lucky Emonefe, NANS Universal President, and Honourable Chukwutem Nwogor, President of the Niger Delta Youth Leaders Front, spoke to journalists, seeking justice for Akron. They questioned the identity of the 25 suspects in court and accused some security agents and the school management of protecting the real killers.
Honourable Chukwutem Nwogor emphasized that the conditions of the hostels at Ajayi Crowther University were unacceptable. He also criticized the Minister of Education for showing indifference since the tragic incident occurred.
They urged Minister Tahir Mamman to take proactive steps in overseeing both private and public universities and to address the situation at Ajayi Crowther University.
Nwogor stated, “During our visit to Ajayi Crowther on Wednesday, observing the state of the hostel, it’s a disgrace to the National University Commission. The focus seems to be solely on profit, neglecting safety. Proper infrastructure should be in place before granting hostel approval.”
“With this unfortunate incident, the school is now scrambling to address hostel conditions.”
It is also disgraceful that up to this moment, neither the Commissioner for Education of Oyo State nor the Minister has visited the scene or contacted the family of the deceased student. What is the purpose of being in government if not to protect lives and property?
“The killing of the innocent boy was barbaric. That hostel is uninhabitable.”
Investigations revealed that apart from NANS and the Niger Delta Youth Leaders, Itsekiri elders also stormed the institution last Wednesday.
Led by the deceased’s uncle, Prince Yemi Emiko, the elders visited the hostel where the late prince was allegedly beaten to death and held a meeting with the school management. They also visited the morgue where the body of the deceased was kept.
