Osun Government Criticizes Police Over Alleged Unlawful Arrests

The state’s Police Command has come under fire from the Osun State Government for allegedly handling recent arrests in an unprofessional manner.

Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, disclosed this in a statement.

According to reports, the government voiced concerns about a statement that the police had first released, later removed, and then replaced with a revised form. The government described the actions as unclear and inconsistent.

The arrest of Mr. Iyiola Monsuru and Mr. Apesin Abiodun Adegoke is the main point of contention.

The administration disputed the police’s claim that Mr. Bola Oyebamiji was the source of a petition that led to the arrests.

Records show that Mr. Arimiyau Owoade, the APC Chairman of Irewole Local Government, filed the suit about remarks that purportedly had an impact on the local APC candidate.

The government claims that both men were detained without being invited, notwithstanding the police’s description of the arrests as “invitations.”

On January 7, Mr. Adegoke was taken into custody at his mechanic workshop, which the police thereafter referred to as his “hideout.”

The government refuted claims that he asked for leniency or admitted to the crime, and it challenged the police to present evidence.

Despite the Police’s earlier allegation that Mr. Adegoke was arraigned on January 9, he was detained until the late hours of January 12.

This is untrue, according to the government, which also noted that on January 8, Mr. Adegoke’s attorney requested administrative bail, but the police did not reply.

Before bail was finally granted, a reminder had to be sent.

Referencing the Police Act and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, the government stated that suspects in non-capital crimes should not be detained for more than 24 hours without being arraigned and should be released on administrative bail if arraignment is not feasible.

The administration urged the police to maintain their professionalism and abstain from political interference, characterizing the six-day imprisonment as an abuse of authority.