Three Remanded for Allegedly Diverting, Selling Government Mosquito Nets in Osun

The Osun State Police Command has arraigned three suspects before a court for allegedly diverting and selling 300 government-owned insecticide-treated mosquito nets meant for free distribution to residents.

The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi.

According to the police, the suspects have been identified as Rabbi Bennett, a staff member of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) attached to Ife North Local Government Area in Ipetumodu, Opeyemi Ajibola, a commercial motorcycle rider, and Aminu Ibrahim.

The command said the three defendants were subsequently remanded in a correctional centre after being arraigned in court.

Ojelabi explained that the case followed an investigation into reports that insecticide-treated mosquito nets provided by the government for free public distribution were allegedly being diverted and sold for private gain.

He stated that the incident came to the attention of the police on June 9, 2026, following intelligence about the alleged illegal sale of the mosquito nets.

According to the statement, preliminary investigations revealed that Bennett allegedly became involved in a disagreement with Ajibola over proceeds realised from the unlawful sale of the government-owned mosquito nets.

The police said Bennett, who is from Delta State, was attached to Ife North Local Government Area as part of the distribution programme coordinated through USAID.

Investigators alleged that the dispute over the proceeds exposed the diversion scheme, leading to further inquiries by the police.

The command did not disclose the exact charges filed against the suspects but confirmed that the matter has been taken before a competent court.

The insecticide-treated mosquito nets were reportedly part of a public health intervention designed to prevent malaria by ensuring households have access to free protective materials.

Authorities have repeatedly warned that the diversion or sale of government medical supplies undermines healthcare programmes and deprives vulnerable residents of essential interventions.

The Osun State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public resources and ensuring that individuals involved in the diversion of government property are brought to justice.

The command also urged members of the public to report any suspected diversion or illegal sale of government-sponsored relief and healthcare materials to the appropriate authorities.