The Osun State Amotekun Corps has handed over four of its operatives to the state Police Command for investigation into the death of Oyeyemi Ajagungbade Emir, an aide to Governor Ademola Adeleke, and recent attacks in Ile-Ife.

The Corps, however, denied reports circulating on social media that five of its operatives had been arrested by the police in connection with the incident.

In a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Mr Idowu Abass, on Monday, the Corps said the reports were misleading, stressing that the operatives were voluntarily handed over to the police by the Corps Commander, Mr Isaac Omoyele.

Abass said the decision was taken in the interest of transparency and accountability and to allow the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attacks and the death of Emir.

He explained that the four operatives were attached to NURTW chieftain, Alowonle Nurudeen, whose activities were linked to the circumstances being investigated.

“The Police did not arrest the Amotekun operatives in question. Rather, the Corps Commander, in the interest of transparency, accountability and a thorough investigation, personally handed over four operatives attached to NURTW chieftain Alowonle Nurudeen to the Osun State Police Command,” the statement said.

Emir, who was popularly known as Ajagungbade, was killed in Ile-Ife on September 13 during violence involving rival factions at motor parks in the city.

Following the incident, Governor Adeleke directed the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Ibrahim Zungura, to investigate the killing and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.

The Amotekun Corps urged the public and media practitioners to distinguish between an arrest and the voluntary handover of personnel for investigation.

It also cautioned against sensationalising the matter or reaching premature conclusions before the police complete their investigation.

The Corps reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, discipline and accountability, saying it would cooperate with other security agencies to ensure that anyone found culpable faced the law.

It appealed to journalists, bloggers and social media users to verify information before publishing reports on sensitive security matters.

The Corps also urged the public to allow the police investigation to run its course and avoid actions that could undermine efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.