In May 2022, The Cable reported 391 recorded mob killings in Nigeria in the last four years. The recent lynching of an Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) student has unfortunately increased this tally.
What was his crime?
Okoli Ahinze, a 400-level student, was accused of stealing a phone in the Awolowo Hall of Residence on the school’s premises.
According to a statement by Awo Hall Leadership, Ahinze didn’t just steal the phone but also used the bank app to make transactions and solicit funds from the victim’s contacts.
What happened next?
After hearing the news of the stolen phone, a mob gathered and severely beat the young man. He was then moved to another location for his safety.
According to a Twitter user, Baron Chymaker (@chymaker), it is alleged that the lynching followed an unwritten practice in the school tagged “Maximum Scientific Shishi.”
The term describes a code name for torturing students that commit an offence. Accusations trailed the Awo Hall Chairman Badiora Timilehin and his social director Omiskin Seye who were alleged moderators of the lynching.
Later in the afternoon, he had to be moved to the OAU Teaching Hospital when his health started to decline. But by then, it was too late.
Have legal actions been taken?
So far, none has been taken yet.
The President of the Great Ife Student Union, Folahan Olawiyola, released a statement promising that the union would work with the university authorities and law enforcement agencies to ensure the perpetrators face justice.
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