OAU Student Journalist

Supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, have allegedly assaulted an Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) student journalist, Abdulfattah Robiu following a misunderstanding over the use of a mobile phone camera.

The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon at Orona steet along AP Junction in Ile Ife when the student journalist was attempting to transfer a file from his friend’s phone to his own.

While narrating the incident to our correspondent, he explained that the misunderstanding began when he asked the owner of the phone he was using whether the device’s camera was good while waiting for the file transfer to be completed.

He alleged that a woman nearby misunderstood the question and accused him of taking her photograph.

The student journalist said he immediately explained that he was not photographing her or anyone else, but was only asking about the quality of the phone’s camera in connection with the file transfer.

He, however, alleged that the woman continued to confront him and that another woman subsequently joined the confrontation before the situation escalated into an assault.

According to his account, some persons at the scene who were wearing AMBO campaign caps also joined the confrontation without first listening to his explanation or verifying the allegation.

He alleged that some of the persons picked up wooden planks and stones and used them to assault him, while one of the women allegedly bit him during the incident.

The journalist further claimed that his phone was taken and checked by those involved to determine whether he had taken any photograph of the woman.

He said the search of the device subsequently established that he had not taken the alleged photograph, but that the harassment continued.

According to him, his phone was damaged during the altercation, while his shirt was also torn and he sustained injuries.

He also alleged that one of the women grabbed his belt and contacted some street youths, who later joined the confrontation. He said he was also asked to swear by Ogun to prove his innocence.

The student journalist said he repeatedly explained that he was not involved in politics and did not even possess a voter’s card, but alleged that some of those involved continued to question whether he had been sent to the area by someone.

He added that some women operating shops around the area eventually intervened and spoke against the alleged assault.

The journalist also alleged that some of his colleagues who attempted to intervene were attacked, with one allegedly slapped and another reportedly struck with a stone.

He said his phone was eventually returned, but he continued to receive threats from some of the persons involved.

Following the incident, the student journalist said he reported the matter at the Oke Otubu Police Station, where he made an official statement.

According to him, police officers accompanied him to the location of the incident but did not meet the women he accused of assaulting him. He said one of their husbands informed the police that they had gone out on political activities.

The journalist said he subsequently returned to the police station, where evidence relating to the incident, including his damaged phone, torn shirt and injuries, was documented.

He added that the police assured him that the matter would be investigated and that efforts would be made to ensure that justice was served.

Speaking with our correspondent, the newly elected Students’ Union Public Relations Officer of the University, Kujembola Olalekan Sunday confirmed the incident.

He said, “We are aware of the situation. We are taking adequate steps. We strongly condemn it. We will follow him to the police station as soon as possible.”