Adeleke accuses police of transferring over 60 Accord leaders to Abuja prisons

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has leveled serious accusations against the police, alleging the unlawful transfer of over 60 Accord Party leaders to prisons in Abuja and Nasarawa. Adeleke claims this action occurred despite the presence of federal and state courts within Osun State. He made these allegations on Thursday during a peace summit in Osogbo, held in anticipation of the August 15 governorship election.

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I should have boycotted this peace meeting because of the violence unleashed on Osun State in the last few months, on the directive of Gboyega Oyetola.

Adeleke stated that his government and supporters have endured "under siege and attacks for the past three months." He directly accused former governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, of orchestrating the violence. "I should have boycotted this peace meeting because of the violence unleashed on Osun State in the last few months, on the directive of Gboyega Oyetola," Adeleke declared, adding, "Our gathering is to endorse peace but my government and people are facing police-sanctioned violence and intimidation."

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Our gathering is to endorse peace but my government and people are facing police-sanctioned violence and intimidation.

The governor further detailed the alleged abuses, reporting that more than 60 Accord leaders, including an Accord candidate for the House of Representatives, Hon Alaba, were arrested and moved to prisons in Abuja and Nasarawa. He questioned the necessity of transferring detainees to Abuja when courts exist in Osun. Adeleke also claimed the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, was arrested on "trumped up charges" after his residence was raided without a warrant. He reported that eight party members have been killed and over 20 injured in recent attacks, with no suspects prosecuted.

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More than 60 Accord leaders have been arrested and moved to Abuja, and remanded in Abuja prisons and Nasarawa State prisons, including an Accord candidate for House of Representatives, Hon Alaba.

Appealing to President Bola Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police, Adeleke urged them to caution Oyetola and the Osun police commissioner. He demanded the return of those in custody to Osun and their arraignment in state courts if any crimes were committed. These allegations surface shortly after police arrested Igbalaye and five others for alleged vote-buying, recovering N4.8 million and electoral materials. Political tensions are high in Osun as the governorship election approaches, marked by mutual accusations between Accord and APC supporters.

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There is no single prosecution or active arrest till date. The perpetrators are known Osun APC thugs with crimes committed in the presence of the police.