The Osun State Police Command has arrested 24 suspects over alleged involvement in cult-related killings, political thuggery and other violent crimes across the state as part of efforts to restore peace ahead of the forthcoming local government election.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Osogbo, where he reaffirmed the police’s commitment to tackling violent crimes and ensuring a peaceful atmosphere before, during and after the election.
Gotan said the command had intensified operations following recent cult-related killings and acts of political violence that have threatened public peace in parts of the state.
“The command is fully aware of the recent cult-related killings and acts of thuggery threatening the peace of the state, some of which have been given political undertones. Through intensified operations, the command has arrested several suspects linked to those crimes and remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents,” he said.
The commissioner identified the suspects as Kareem Saheed, also known as “Tanfiani”; Oyeladun Muideen, alias “Akilapa”,Ridwan Adekola; Mukaila Azeez, alias “Mikki”; Sunday Friday, alias “Akube”; Olamilekan Fatai, Tiamiyu Ismail; Famuyiwa Adekunle Toib; Ajiboye Toheed, Morufu Sodiq,Folorunsho Moshood; Hassan Sodiq, Badiru Saheed, Adegoke Olalekan, Faruk Olawale, Iyanuoluwa Sarumi; Afolabi Ahmed; Adeshina Lukman; Mutiu Opeyemi,Olushola Daniel,Abiola Olabode,Azeez Abiodun,Babatunde Kehinde and Dada Mayowa.
He warned cultists, political thugs and other criminal elements to desist from acts capable of disrupting public peace, stressing that offenders would face the full weight of the law.
Gotan also assured residents that the command would remain professional, neutral and non-partisan in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
One of the suspects, Kareem Saheed, who identified himself as the Executive Assistant to the Chairman of Irepodun Local Government, denied any involvement in the murder being investigated by the police.
According to him, he merely picked up a pump-action shotgun during a political clash at the local government secretariat on Friday after members of rival political parties confronted one another.
“I didn’t fire any gun; I only held one. I picked up the gun and asked if that was the weapon they wanted to use against us. Later, I returned it after party leaders intervened,” he said.
Saheed claimed he had no connection with the victim and alleged that he was being framed because of politics.
“I’m an APC member while they are Accord members. I never knew the deceased or his family. They are accusing me because of politics,” he said.
The suspect also alleged that videos circulating on social media were part of an attempt to falsely implicate him in the case.
The police have yet to announce formal charges against the suspects, while investigations into the killings and other related offences are ongoing.