Developing: Police arrest Osun Commissioner for Environment over gunshots at APC rally; Adeleke kicks
The Osun State Police Command has arrested the Commissioner for Environment, Mayowa Adejoorin, in connection with gunshots fired during an All Progressives Congress rally in Ilesa on Saturday.
Four people were reportedly injured in the incident, although no death had been recorded as of press time. The injured victims were taken to hospital for treatment.
The incident occurred during the APC rally in Ilesa, where sporadic gunshots were reportedly fired amid an attack involving some political actors. One of the injured victims was identified as 14-year-old Ilesanmi, who was reportedly hit by a stray bullet while at his mother’s shop.
An eyewitness, Kola Adeoti, said the boy sustained the injury on his thigh. He also alleged that security personnel accompanying some political figures fired shots at APC supporters, resulting in protests in parts of Ilesa.
Confirming the arrest, the Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said police personnel moved to the scene immediately after receiving information about the incident.
He said the area was cordoned off and some items were recovered, including spent cartridges and caps belonging to Amotekun personnel.
Ojelabi added that Adejoorin was arrested at the scene and taken to the police command for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation.
However, the Imole Campaign Council, the campaign organisation of Governor Ademola Adeleke, condemned the arrest, describing it as politically motivated.
The council’s spokesman, Pelumi Olajengbesi, alleged that the arrest was part of a pattern of targeting leaders and supporters of the Accord Party in Ijesaland ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Olajengbesi called on the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to intervene and investigate what he described as the disturbing pattern of arrests involving Accord leaders in the state.
He questioned the basis for Adejoorin’s arrest and demanded his immediate release, insisting that the government and security agencies should ensure a free, fair and peaceful electoral process in Osun State.