Osun Poll: Adeleke Camp Demands Release Of Arrested Supporters

The campaign team of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has called for the immediate release of its supporters allegedly arrested by the Nigeria Police Force ahead of the August 15 governorship election. The demand was made on Wednesday in Abuja after members of the campaign visited the Force Intelligence Response Team headquarters over the arrests.

The campaign’s spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, claimed that more than 86 supporters of the Accord Party had been arrested across different parts of Osun State within the last few days. He alleged that those arrested were transported to Abuja and detained without any lawful reason or formal charges.

According to the campaign, a visit to the detention facilities revealed that 36 of the detainees had been moved to the Keffi Correctional Centre, while another 14 were transferred to the Kuje Custodial Centre. The team maintained that none of the individuals had been charged with any offence and described the arrests as politically motivated.

Olajengbesi also accused the Osun State Commissioner of Police of failing to remain neutral ahead of the governorship election. He argued that allowing the police command to continue overseeing security operations during the poll could affect public confidence in the electoral process. The campaign therefore appealed to the Inspector-General of Police to intervene and ensure a level playing field for all political parties.

The spokesperson further alleged that the Secretary to the Osun State Government was among those arrested while carrying out political sensitisation activities. He added that several other party leaders were also taken into custody without justification.

However, the Osun State Police Command rejected the campaign’s claims. The command said only six suspects were arrested and dismissed reports that dozens of party members had been detained.

Police spokesperson DSP Abiodun Ojelabi said all six suspects were adults and were arrested based on credible intelligence gathered by security operatives. He also denied allegations that police officers invaded the homes of commissioners or other government officials, explaining that the operation was carried out at the residence of the Secretary to the State Government based on information available to the police.

On the demand for the removal of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, the command said such a decision rests with the Inspector-General of Police and not the commissioner himself. The police maintained that the arrests were carried out in line with their responsibilities as investigations into the matter continue.