The Osun State Government has accused the Osun State Police Command of carrying out what it described as a series of coordinated raids on the residences of top government officials, alleging that the operations pose a threat to democracy ahead of the state’s governorship election.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, the government alleged that the latest operation targeted the residence of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), where a combined team of police officers, reportedly led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, carried out a raid.
According to the statement, members of the SSG’s family were taken to an undisclosed location during the operation. The government added that the SSG was not at home at the time, as he was attending a stakeholders’ forum organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), while ward officials were reportedly holding a meeting within the premises.
The government further alleged that the raid on the SSG’s residence followed similar operations at the homes of about six commissioners and other senior government officials.
It also claimed that the residence of the Commissioner for Energy in Ikire was raided on Tuesday, with officers allegedly ransacking the building and damaging property. According to the statement, five other commissioners have also reported surveillance of their residences or alleged forced entries.
The Osun Government further alleged that several members of the Accord Party are being held in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the State Police Command without being granted bail.
Describing the operations as “an aggravated assault” on the government and the people of Osun State, the administration accused the police of acting in a partisan manner and supporting the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).
The government also expressed concern that the alleged actions were taking place at a time when the INEC Chairman was meeting with stakeholders, warning that such developments could undermine the conduct of a free and fair governorship election.
It called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force leadership, the National Security Adviser, President Bola Tinubu, and traditional rulers to intervene and halt what it described as targeted intimidation of government officials and political party members.
The statement added that Governor Ademola Adeleke had continued to urge residents to remain peaceful and refrain from taking the law into their own hands, despite what it described as increasing provocation.
As of the time of filing this report, the Osun State Police Command had not publicly responded to the allegations.
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