The Oyo State Police Command has denied reports that a student who later died by suicide was arrested and detained over an ₦8,000 debt.
The Command, in a statement issued on Saturday, September 19, by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the deceased was charged to court for assault and malicious damage, and not over the outstanding debt.
The clarification followed a widely circulated report titled, “They Ruined My Reputation; Student Commits Suicide After Oyo Police Detention Over ₦8,000 Debt,” which alleged that the deceased was arrested and remanded over the debt before his death three days after his release.
According to the police, investigation showed that the deceased approached a female Point of Sale operator to collect ₦23,000 cash, with an agreement that he would transfer the same amount to her through the POS transaction.
The Command said the suspect collected the money but left without making the transfer or returning the cash.
It said he later refunded ₦15,000, leaving an outstanding ₦8,000, which he allegedly refused to pay.
The complainant subsequently took possession of his mobile phone pending repayment of the balance, police said.
However, on September 8, 2026, at about 10pm, the suspect allegedly went to the complainant’s residence, assaulted her and damaged her Airtel SIM registration machine valued at ₦177,000.
The police said community members intervened in an attempt to settle the matter, but the effort failed, after which vigilantes brought both parties to the police station.
According to the Command, the police also attempted to resolve the matter amicably, but the complainant insisted on pursuing the case in court.
“Having regard to the facts established during investigation and the evidence available, the suspect was charged to court for assault and malicious damage, and not for the outstanding ₦8,000,” the statement said.
The police explained that the suspect’s subsequent remand at the Agodi Correctional Centre was due to his inability to immediately meet the bail conditions granted by the court, rather than detention by the police over the debt.
He was later released after meeting the bail conditions.
The Command also cautioned against linking the reported death directly to the police case without verified evidence establishing such a connection.
It urged the public and media practitioners to verify sensitive reports, particularly those involving criminal proceedings and loss of life, before publication.
The police reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, due process, accountability and accurate communication.
