The Osun State Police Command has denied allegations that its operatives shot at innocent residents playing football in the Ogo-Oluwa area of Osogbo, stating that officers only fired warning shots to disperse hoodlums who attempted to obstruct an arrest operation.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the Command explained that the operation was linked to an ongoing investigation into a viral video allegedly showing members of the AYE Confraternity openly displaying firearms, axes, cutlasses, and other dangerous weapons.
According to the statement, the investigation began after a petition dated May 2, 2026, was submitted to the Office of the Inspector-General of Police concerning the viral video. The petition was subsequently forwarded to the Osun State Commissioner of Police for investigation and necessary action.
The Police said the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) commenced a detailed investigation, which led to the identification of one of the suspects featured in the video.
Police operatives later stormed the suspect’s hideout and arrested Semiu Baruwa, who was identified as one of the individuals allegedly involved in vandalizing billboards across Osogbo and its surrounding areas.
The Command stated that during the arrest, a group of suspected thugs and hoodlums attempted to prevent officers from taking the suspect into custody, creating a tense and potentially dangerous situation.
“The situation became violent and posed serious threats to the safety and lives of the operatives,” the statement said. “Police officers were compelled to fire warning shots into the air to disperse the mob and safely extricate themselves from the scene.”
The Police emphasized that no innocent resident was targeted during the operation and maintained that the actions of the officers were in line with established operational safety procedures designed to protect lives and maintain public order.
Authorities confirmed that the suspect is currently in police custody and assisting investigators, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other individuals connected to the incident, including those accused of obstructing police duties.
The Commissioner of Police reassured residents of the state’s commitment to combating cultism, criminal activities, and other forms of violence that threaten public peace and security.
The Command also urged members of the public to remain calm, obey the law, and continue providing credible information to support ongoing investigations.
Police said further updates would be communicated as investigations progress.
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