Three Oyo Students Remanded Over Death of Classmate

An Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan has remanded three students from the Iseyin College of Health Science and Technology in connection with the death of their 16-year-old colleague, Eniola Ismail. The students, Shodimu Halima, 18; Agbedun Zainab, 23; and Olaleye Oladunni, 23, are facing charges of conspiracy and murder.

The tragic incident occurred on July 29, 2024, when Ismail allegedly got into a fight with the accused students. The prosecution, led by Inspector Femi Oluwadare, informed the court that the defendants and others still at large attacked Ismail, hitting her with their fists during the altercation at the school in Iseyin, Oyo State. After the fight, Ismail reportedly went home complaining of body pains but later passed away.

The prosecution stated that the students’ actions violated Sections 316, 319, and 324 of the Oyo State Criminal Code of 2000, which cover murder and conspiracy.

Magistrate M. Mudashiru, who presided over the case, did not take the pleas of the defendants due to the court’s lack of jurisdiction in handling murder cases. He ordered that the students be remanded at the Agodi Correctional Centre in Ibadan while awaiting legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution.

The case has been adjourned until December 30, 2024, for further mention. The legal process will determine the fate of the accused students as investigations continue into the tragic death of Ismail.

The news of Ismail’s death has shocked the school community, with many calling for justice. “This is a heartbreaking situation,” a local resident said. “We hope the authorities will ensure that justice is served for the young girl and her family.”

The remanding of the students is part of the ongoing legal procedure to determine their involvement in the incident and ensure that all those responsible are held accountable.