Wale JAGUN
Mrs Folake Shokoya, the mother of a student of the Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu main campus, has been accused of been the one who assaulted one of the institution’s security personnel, Mr Moses Hitler, for stopping her child who was said to have conducted himself improperly on campus.
The institution stated in its response to Mrs Shokoya’s claim that she was assaulted by men of the polytechnic’s security unit when she responded to a call from her son, Boluwatife Olowu, a National Diploma II student of the Hospitality Management Technology Department, who had claimed that he was beating by the security personnel for wearing earrings on campus.
According to a release signed by the Deputy Registrar (Information and Public Relations) Olanrewaju Kuye , the student, Boluwatife, had attempted to forcefully gain entrance into the school premises wearing earrings which is against the institution’s regulations.
Mrs Shokoya was said to have stormed the institution’s premises and assaulted a security officer of the school two hours after his son was reprimanded and released by the CSO of the school.
The statement released by the institution states thus:
“On Wednesday, 11th July, 2018, around 4:30pm, a male student; Olowu Bolutife (National Diploma II, Hospitality Management Technology Department) was apprehended by the security personnel and refused entry into the Ikorodu Campus for wearing earrings which is totally against the dress ethics of the institution.
“Further instructions to remove the earrings if he desired to enter the campus were rebuffed by him, and he was subsequently taken to the Chief Security Officer’s (CSO) office.”
“The CSO eventually warned him and was placed on security watch for seven (7) days to further determine his “identity” on campus and was released to go thereafter”, the statement added.
“Exactly two (2) hours later, a woman, who was later identified as Mrs. Folake Shokoya, came to the security office in company of the student. Initially, she requested to see the CSO over a message from commanding Officer 174 Battalion, Odogunyan. She, however, ran out of patience when the so called student diverted her attention to the security personnel ( Mr. Moses Hitler) who seized his earrings earlier.
“She queried him for the effrontery he has for seizing her son’s earrings, assaulted him, tore his cloth and slapped him severally and scattered the whole office in the Security Unit.
“All efforts to release the officer from her grip was seriously met with stiff opposition as she displayed a rare effrontery to face anyone that attempted to stop her.
“The CSO was alerted by the noise and rushed to pacify the situation.Despite the action of the CSO, she continued to exhibit her hooligan demeanor, scattering everywhere.
“As that was on, the Commanding Officer of the174 Battalion, called to appeal on her behalf and requested for settlement, which the CSO considered and settled the fracas she created”.
According the institution’s Deputy Registrar, the school management was surprised that after the intervention of the Commanding Officer of the 174 Battalion, Mrs Shokoya still went ahead to report the matter at the Shagamu road police station in Ikorodu, allegedly claiming the victim.
“Surprisingly after the settlement, she later reported again at the Shagamu road Police Station to complain of an assault on her.
“The Polytechnic had, however, forwarded to the Police a report of her actions against our security personnel.
“Obviously, Mrs. Folake Shokoya was the aggressor who intentionally assaulted our security personnel on lawful duty.
“No doubt, the son is aware of the Polytechnic dress code that must be enforced to create an orderly campus environment”.
The school absolved their staff member of the allegation made by Mrs Shokoya, stating that the security personnel were only enforcing the institution’s regulations.
“I wish to state here emphatically that the security personnel of the Polytechnic will not assault anyone neither will they deny entrance access to any student who is well dressed and well behaved”, Deputy Registrar stated.
He also re-emphasized the institution’s position against indecent dressing and act of hooliganism.
“The Management of the Polytechnic frowns at indecent dressing and any act of hooliganism. The security personnel of the Polytechnic will always ensure the enforcement of the Polytechnic dress code as well as general peace and orderliness on all the three (3) campuses of the Polytechnic.
