Police give reason for Tani Olohun’s attempted arrest in Ibadan

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Oyo State Police Command has explained the circumstances surrounding the attempted arrest of Abdulazeez Adegbola, popularly known as Tani Olohun, by officers of the Kwara State Police Command in Ibadan on Tuesday.

According to the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the officers were in Ibadan to execute a warrant of arrest issued by the Upper Ilorin Magistrates’ Court, Ilorin, in connection with allegations of conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.

Olayinka disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, explaining that the warrant was issued after Tani Olohun allegedly failed to comply with conditions attached to an earlier bail granted to him.

However, the operation reportedly resulted in a confrontation after some residents resisted the officers’ attempt to take Tani Olohun away. Videos circulating on social media showed men believed to be police officers attempting to arrest him, while residents questioned the legality of the operation.

The situation was eventually brought under control following the intervention of Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho. During the confrontation, one of the officers was also seen displaying his identity card to residents who demanded clarification about the operation.

Following the incident, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed the officers to return to their base in Kwara State. The command also advised the complainant to approach the appropriate court in Ibadan, where the alleged offence reportedly occurred, in line with due process and the principle of territorial jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, the police urged members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding, warning against actions capable of disturbing public peace or escalating tensions. The command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property while ensuring that complaints are handled professionally and in accordance with the law.

The command maintained that the officers acted on a valid court warrant but stressed that the matter should be pursued through the appropriate judicial process in Ibadan. It further emphasised the importance of respecting territorial jurisdiction and the rule of law in resolving the dispute.