The Osun State Amotekun Corps has explained that four of its operatives were voluntarily handed over to the state Police Command to assist investigations into the killing of Olalekan Oyeyemi, popularly known as Emir, at a motor park in Ile-Ife.

The Corps said the clarification became necessary following reports circulating on social media that the police had arrested some of its operatives in connection with Oyeyemi’s death.

In a statement issued on Monday by its spokesperson, Mr Yusuf Idowu, the Corps said its Commander, Mr Adekunle Isaac Omoyele, personally handed over the four operatives to the police in the interest of transparency, accountability and a thorough investigation.

The operatives were attached to NURTW chieftain, Alowonle Nurudeen, whose activities formed part of the circumstances being investigated.

The Corps said the operatives were made available to the appropriate security authority to enable the police to investigate the attacks in Ile-Ife and establish the circumstances surrounding the killing.

It stressed that the police did not arrest the operatives, urging members of the public and media practitioners to distinguish between an arrest and voluntary handover for investigation.

Oyeyemi, a chieftain of the Accord Party, was killed during a clash at Mayfair Motor Park in Ile-Ife on September 13.

He was reportedly being considered for appointment as chairman of the Park Management System, which was expected to replace the National Union of Road Transport Workers in managing public motor parks in the state.

Following the incident, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing.

The Amotekun Corps said its decision to hand over the operatives was part of its commitment to supporting the investigation and ensuring that facts surrounding the incident were established.

It reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, discipline and accountability, saying it would not condone conduct capable of undermining public confidence in the state’s security architecture.

The Corps also pledged continued cooperation with other security agencies and urged the public to avoid sensationalising the matter before the conclusion of the police investigation.