Police Arrest Osun Commissioner, Adeleke Campaign Council Kicks

The Osun State Police Command has arrested the state Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Mayowa Adejoorin, over a shooting incident that occurred during an All Progressives Congress rally in Ilesa on Saturday.

The arrest has, however, triggered a strong reaction from the Imole Campaign Council, the campaign organisation of Governor Ademola Adeleke, which accused the police of bias and alleged that the commissioner was being politically targeted.

The police spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, said Adejoorin was arrested after tactical officers intercepted a white Lexus 350 linked to the incident.

According to Ojelabi, the shooting occurred after a vehicle with registration number OSHAO4 was parked near the APC rally and individuals identified as personnel of the Amotekun security outfit allegedly emerged from the vehicle and opened fire.

He said APC supporters chased the fleeing personnel, adding that one of those caught allegedly pulled out a knife and attempted to attack those pursuing him before escaping.

Ojelabi said the incident was reported to the police, prompting tactical teams deployed to different locations in Ilesa to respond.

He said officers later intercepted a white Lexus 350 approaching the area and found an Amotekun operative and another occupant inside.

Both men were taken to the police headquarters for questioning, where the second occupant was identified as Adejoorin.

The police spokesperson said investigations had commenced to establish the commissioner’s level of involvement in the shooting.

Reacting to the arrest, the Imole Campaign Council accused the police command of indiscriminate arrests, intimidation and what it described as the political targeting of Accord Party leaders and supporters across Ijesaland.

The council’s spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, alleged that Adejoorin was arrested outside Ilesa while travelling to Osogbo and claimed the arrest was carried out following instructions from a federal lawmaker.

Olajengbesi also alleged that the commissioner had earlier received a threatening phone call from the lawmaker warning him that he would be arrested.

He described the arrest as “a bandit-line abduction carried out under the cover of police authority” and demanded Adejoorin’s immediate release.

The campaign council further alleged that the police had been arresting prominent Accord leaders and supporters during the election period, describing the actions as politically motivated.

It called on the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to intervene and investigate the conduct of the Osun State Police Command.

The council questioned the basis for Adejoorin’s arrest and demanded that the police disclose the evidence linking the commissioner to the shooting.

“We demand the immediate release of Hon Mayowa Adejoorin, as we believe there is no lawful and credible basis for his abduction and detention,” Olajengbesi said.

The development comes ahead of the August 15 Osun governorship election, with political parties and security agencies under pressure to ensure a peaceful and credible poll.