Osun: Some Criminal Suspects Are Hibernating in Government House — IGP Tells Gov Adeleke

The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has disclosed that he received intelligence alleging that some criminal suspects being sought by the police are hiding inside the Osun State Government House.

Disu made the revelation on Friday during a visit to Governor Ademola Adeleke at the Government House amid the ongoing disagreement between the state government and the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan.

Addressing the governor, the IGP acknowledged that he was aware of complaints regarding the conduct of the state police commissioner but noted that the officer had also presented his own account of events.

According to Disu, the commissioner informed him that some political interests were allegedly shielding criminal suspects ahead of the forthcoming Osun State governorship election.

“I’ve heard complaints from Osun State, and I’m aware you’re not happy with the Commissioner of Police, but he too has briefed me,” the IGP said.

He added that the commissioner specifically alleged that some wanted suspects were taking refuge within the Government House.

“The Commissioner said suspected criminals that he is looking for are hibernating (hiding) in the Osun State Government House.

“If that is true, why should suspects be in a government house?” Disu asked.

The police chief, however, stressed that any action taken by security operatives must be carried out in accordance with the law.

“I told him that as a police officer in charge, there should be a way he goes about it,” he stated.

The visit comes as political tensions continue to rise in Osun ahead of the August governorship election, with rival political parties exchanging accusations over security concerns and alleged political violence.

The state government has yet to publicly respond to the allegation that criminal suspects are being sheltered within the Government House.

Disu’s visit is expected to form part of broader efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to ensure a peaceful electoral process and strengthen confidence in security arrangements before the poll.