Tension erupted in Igbesa, Ogun State, after operatives of the Ogun State Police Command were accused of assaulting and brutalizing students of the Gateway Institute of Technology, following the arrest of a student over alleged possession of a substance described as “black soap.”

The incident, which reportedly escalated into a confrontation between students and police officers at the station, has sparked outrage among student leaders and renewed debates over police conduct and the treatment of young people in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

According to eyewitness accounts and circulating videos, the trouble began when a student was stopped, searched, and allegedly found with the substance, after which he was arrested and detained by officers at the station.

The situation reportedly intensified when the Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, Ilo Temitope, alongside other students, attempted to intervene and secure the release of their colleague.

In a video seen circulating online, the SUG president alleged that students were denied access to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and instructed to return the following day, a response that reportedly triggered protest chants from the students gathered outside the station.

Temitope further alleged that armed officers arrived shortly after and confronted the protesting students, claiming that some officers attempted to intimidate the crowd with firearms during the standoff.

Following the confrontation, reports emerged that the SUG president was also assaulted and briefly detained, alongside other students, during the chaotic encounter at the police division.

Another widely shared video showed a student with visible injuries, including blood around the mouth, as he accused security operatives of using excessive force against him and other students present at the scene.

A female voice in the background of one of the videos also alleged that the SUG president was beaten while in custody, further intensifying public concern over the incident.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) condemned the alleged assault, describing it as disturbing and unacceptable, and called for immediate investigation into the conduct of the officers involved.

NANS stated that the reported actions, if confirmed, represent a violation of students’ fundamental rights and an attack on peaceful student unionism within tertiary institutions.

The student body also demanded that all officers involved be identified and sanctioned in line with established disciplinary procedures.

In addition, student leaders from several institutions in Ogun State called for a public apology from the Igbesa Police Division and stronger protections for students against harassment, intimidation, and unlawful arrest.

They further urged authorities to ensure that security operatives act within the confines of the law when dealing with students and civilians, particularly in sensitive educational environments.

Responding to the allegations, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed that it has ordered a full and immediate investigation into the incident.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, quoted the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, as assuring that the matter would be thoroughly examined to establish the facts surrounding the confrontation.

According to the statement, the police command emphasized that any officer found guilty of misconduct would face appropriate disciplinary action in line with extant regulations.

The command also reiterated its commitment to professionalism, respect for human rights, and maintaining peaceful relations with all residents, including students.

Authorities further appealed for calm, urging all parties to avoid actions that could escalate tensions while investigations are ongoing.

The latest development adds to growing concerns over recurring clashes between security operatives and students in parts of Nigeria, with stakeholders calling for improved engagement, accountability, and respect for civil rights.