Call Osun commissioner of police to order, Adeleke tells Egbetokun

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has urged the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to call the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gothan, to order over the alleged arrest and unlawful detention of individuals in the state.

The governor specifically demanded the immediate release of one of his aides, Abiodun Adegoke Apesin, who he said has been repeatedly denied bail over an alleged defamation petition linked to the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Oyebamiji.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke decried the continued detention of Adegoke, describing it as a violation of his fundamental human rights, particularly as the alleged offence is non-capital and bailable under Nigerian law.

The governor expressed concern over the refusal of bail on two occasions despite compliance with police conditions, including the presentation of Level 10 and Level 12 officials, describing the situation as unacceptable and partisan conduct by the state police command.

While calling on the IGP to direct the Osun CP to order the immediate and unconditional release of Adegoke, Adeleke cautioned the police against being used as a tool by political actors, warning that such actions could undermine peace and security in the state.

He also accused the Osun Police Command of declining professionalism since Gothan assumed office, alleging that citizens are now detained arbitrarily without being charged to court or granted bail.

“One of my aides, Mr Adegoke, has been detained for more than five days now. He has not been charged to court and has been refused bail twice. That is a fundamental breach of the law and the constitution. The police must be impartial and non-partisan and serve the interest of all Nigerians within the confines of the law,” Adeleke lamented.