UI Lecturer Alleges Brutal Assault and Death Threats by NRC Officials at Ibadan Train Station
A lecturer from the University of Ibadan, Dr Mikail Abdussalam, has publicly detailed a harrowing incident where he was allegedly beaten and threatened with death by officials of the Nigerian Railway Corporation at the Obafemi Awolowo Train Station in Moniya, Ibadan. The incident, which occurred on March 4, 2026, has sparked outrage and led to police intervention, with multiple victims coming forward to report similar abuses at the station.
Confrontation Escalates into Violent Attack
Dr Abdussalam, who lectures in the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies, explained that he drove his sister to the train station early in the morning after she received an emergency call related to her NYSC engagement in Lagos. Upon approaching the station, he realized he lacked cash for parking and asked his sister to alight so he could make a U-turn. At this point, an official on a motorcycle allegedly approached and began verbally abusing him.
"When it got to this level, I made up my mind to proceed to the car park, hoping that there would be peace," Dr Abdussalam stated. However, upon reaching the car park, the situation quickly deteriorated. "Sadly, upon reaching the car park and just as I was about to open the door of the car, the same cyclist gave me a head butt. I literally passed out. The other person pounced on me with blows to my head and chest while I was in the car. They dragged me, hanged my leg and hit me many times," he recounted.
Chief Security Officer Accused of Impunity and Death Threats
Dr Abdussalam further alleged that the Chief Security Officer of the station, identified as Mr Matthew, supervised the beating and displayed blatant impunity. According to the lecturer, Mr Matthew declared, "We will kill you, and nothing will happen. Who are you? Do you know who I am?" The assault was only halted when other University of Ibadan lecturers present at the station intervened, with one reportedly asking, "Dr what happened? Do you know the person you are beating is a UI lecturer?" At this point, the primary assailant had fled the scene.
Police Investigation and Victim Testimonies
Following the incident, Dr Abdussalam managed to report the matter at the Moniya Divisional Police Station. The police invited the CSO and two other suspects for interrogation. Initially, the CSO claimed the motorcyclist was not a staff member but a commercial operator, but subsequent statements revealed the individual was indeed an NRC employee. The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the case, with DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the Police Public Relations Officer, stating that two suspects are in custody and will be charged in court upon completion of the investigation. "Yes, it is true, and two of those who beat the said lecturer are in custody. The CP has directed that they are to be charged in court upon the completion of the investigation," Ayanlade said.
Pattern of Harassment Exposed at Train Station
Investigations have uncovered that this is not an isolated incident. Multiple victims have come forward, alleging ongoing harassment and assaults by the station's management team, led by Manager Mr Segun Okelola. Sources describe the security personnel and management as acting like "terrorists at the station," with several attacks on innocent individuals reported. One anonymous source criticized the aggressive collection of parking fees, stating, "Who asked them to be collecting money for parking? Why should they make it do or die matter?" The source also claimed that Mr Okelola has engineered negative activities at the station, including hiring security personnel to manage parking after firing a previous manager for insufficient remittances.
The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting concerns about public safety and accountability at transportation hubs in Nigeria. As the police proceed with their investigation, the academic community and public await justice for Dr Abdussalam and other alleged victims.
