The management of the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education Science and Technology Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI) has expelled Opemiposi Precious Bolaji, its female student caught in a viral video flogging her colleague.
Also expelled alongside Bolaji is Genesis Osaro, another student who provided the stick with which Gloria Ajayi, the victim, was beaten.
The Ekiti State Police Command had also launched an investigation into the bullying incident.
Grassroots Parrot reports that the trio are 100-level students of Mass Communication.
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How It Started:
On Monday, a video clip went viral on X (formally known as Twitter) which showed the student assaulting her colleague with a cane.
In the video, Bolaji is heard screaming at her victim, saying: “I want to see you fight back. You called me a bastard? Is it because I have kept silent? I must draw blood from you today and no one can stop me”.
The victim is seen running to safety while being chased by her attacker.
The video also captured several individuals present during the assault, yet no one attempted to intervene.
The footage triggered public outcry on social media, with users calling on the institution to investigate the incident.
Tope Akinbisoye, the varsity’s spokesperson, earlier revealed that the school disciplinary panel on Monday summoned the students in the viral video.
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However, in a statement on Tuesday evening, the school authorities announced that Bolaji, the perpetrator who is an 18-year-old student of the Department of Mass Communication, has been expelled alongside Genesis Osaro.
In the statement, the varsity management reiterated its “zero tolerance for all forms of indiscipline” within the school premises.
The statement reads in part: “Miss Opemiposi Precious BOLAJI with Matriculation No. 10232, a 100L Mass Communication student who was beating her colleague with a stick and threatening to inflict bodily harm on her for allegedly destroying her 3-year old love affair with her boyfriend was found guilty of misconduct and flagrant breach of her matriculation oath and consequently EXPELLED with immediate effect,” the statement reads in part.
“Miss Genesis OSARO, a 100L Mass Communication student with Matriculation No. 10257, who provided the stick with which Gloria AJAYI was beaten, was found guilty of misconduct (as an accomplice) and flagrant breach of her Matriculation oath and consequently EXPELLED with immediate effect.
“Miss Gloria AJAYI, a 100L Mass Communication student with Matriculation No. 10295, who was seen being beaten in the viral video but did not retaliate or engage in fisticuffs with her tormentors, was EXONERATED.
“The duo of Miss Mistura Eniola ADEJUWON with Matriculation No. 10435 and Miss Precious Oluwapelumi OLANREWAJU with Matriculation No. 11126, who gleefully recorded the video and posted on social media were WARNED and advised to always report such incident to the Directorate of Students’ Affairs and the Security Unit of the University rather than excalating it on social media.
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“Mr. Olawale AJEWOLE, a 200L Mass Communication student with Matriculation No. 6021 was EXONERATED for making efforts to lock Miss Gloria AJAYI inside a room to prevent further beating.
“The University will like to reiterate its zero tolerance for all forms of indiscipline and avowed commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all members of the University community. We encourage anyone who witnesses or experiences any form of harassment, abuse or violence against any student to report it immediately to the appropriate authorities.”
Meanwhile the Adeniran Akinwale, the commissioner of police in Ekiti, has also ordered an investigation into the bullying incident.
In a statement issued by Sunday Abutu, the state police spokesperson, Akinwale ordered the Ikere area commander to work with the varsity’s management to “ensure the perpetrator is investigated and made to face the legal consequence(s) of her barbaric action”.