Fresh facts have emerged about the Ajayi Crowther University Student who was tortured to death by colleagues recently.
An activist from Warri Kingdom in Delta State, south-south Nigeria, identified as ‘Lord Of Warri’ has revealed that a student of Ajayi Crowther University killed by fellow students was a prince.
He identified the deceased student as Prince Alex Timileyi of Warri Kingdom.
In an open letter addressed to the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and posted on his X page, the activist called on the governor to ensure those who tortured Alex to death are brought to justice.
His letter is titled, ‘Regarding the Tragic Murder of Prince Alex Timileyi of the Warri Kingdom at Crowther University, Oyo State.’
In the letter, he identified the deceased as “the son of Princess Antonia Emiko, daughter of Olu Erejuwa II (1951-1986), and an aunt of the current Olu of Warri. He was also a first cousin of His Majesty, Ogíamè Atuwatsé III CFR, the Olú of Warri Kingdom”.
He said, “This incident has left us deeply saddened and concerned about the safety and security of students in schools not just in Oyo State but in Nigeria as a whole. As Itsekiri people, we appeal to you, the Governor of Oyo State, Makinde, to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice.
“While we are aware that the deceased was alleged to have stolen, we vehemently oppose the act of taking the law into one’s hands without proper investigation.
“The claim that he was caught with a stolen phone led to a brutal 6hours torture, the beating that began on Friday at 6pm and tragically ended with his death on Saturday at 10am. This inhumane treatment is unacceptable.
“No one should be punished without a fair trial and due process. It is equally unacceptable for the school management and the perpetrators of this crime to go unpunished.”
He noted that according to the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, one is presumed innocent until proven guilty by the courts of law, “with both sides having an opportunity to present their case and evidence”.
He said, “However, the young prince was neither on trial nor was he arrested. Instead, he was beaten to death. He was also the only son of his mother, making this loss even more devastating.
“Therefore, we urge your office and the security agents in Oyo State to conduct a thorough investigation into this matter and ensure that justice is served.
“The perpetrators of this heinous act must be held accountable and face the full wrath of the law. We cannot allow the murder of an Itsekiri prince to go unpunished. It is important for His Excellency to know that the Yoruba and Itsekiri people are one and the same.
“Allowing these murderers to go free would be equivalent to allowing the killers of your own family members to go unpunished, without seeking justice.”
“Your Excellency, we eagerly await your swift action in bringing the culprits to justice,” added.
Meanwhile, the university management in a statement credited to its spokesperson, Femi Atoyebi, and published by the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday, said the group of students who assaulted the deceased had been expelled.
He added that the students had been handed over to the police for prosecution.
“Contrary to what is trending, the university affirms that there is no cultism in the institution, just as the university has zero tolerance for any sort of anti-societal vices and misconduct.
“It is important to stress that the expelled students do not belong to any cult group,” Atoyebi said.
