Osun urges police to resist political pressure over banditry suspect case
The Osun State Government has cautioned the state police command against alleged political interference in the handling of a suspected bandit linked to the Lameco area, amid claims that efforts are being made to secure his release on psychiatric grounds.
The warning followed allegations by a civil society group, the Public Safety Accountability Group, which accused some prominent members of the All Progressives Congress in the state of attempting to influence the police to release the suspect.
The group alleged that APC figures had visited police stations and sent emissaries to push for the suspect’s release, describing the move as an effort to weaken ongoing security operations against criminal elements.
While the police confirmed that the suspect was undergoing psychiatric evaluation and had reportedly been treated by an herbalist for about a decade, it did not respond to claims of political pressure.
In a reaction shared on its X account, the Osun State Government condemned any attempt to politicise law enforcement activities and urged the police to act professionally and independently.
The government, in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, also demanded answers on several aspects of the case.
It questioned whether there was a valid medical report supporting the suspect’s alleged mental condition, the identity of the herbalist said to have treated him, and whether political actors had intervened in the matter.
The government also faulted the delay in the police response, asking why the issue was only addressed after civil society concerns were raised.
It warned that any action capable of undermining public trust or emboldening criminal activity should be avoided, particularly at a sensitive time for security in the state.
The statement further called on the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to ensure transparency in handling the case.
It also urged the Osun State Commissioner of Police to stop any form of politicisation of the investigation.
