Hamzat denies links to suspect in Oyo robbery raid, claims smear campaign

Popular broadcaster and Accord Party governorship candidate in Oyo State, Oriyomi Hamzat, has vehemently denied any association with a police wanted suspect, Surajudeen Babatunde, also known as “Surii Ilupeju.” Hamzat described attempts to link him to the suspect as a malicious smear campaign aimed at tarnishing his reputation and undermining his political aspirations for the 2027 governorship election.

“

My attention has been drawn to a malicious and mischievous publication circulating on social media seeking to drag my name into a criminal matter involving an individual identified as Surajudeen Adio Babatunde, popularly known as ‘Surii Ilupeju. Ordinarily, I would not dignify such desperate propaganda with a response. However, because of the potential for misinformation and the need to set the records straight, it has become necessary to address the falsehoods being peddled by those determined to tarnish my hard-earned reputation.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Hamzat addressed a publication circulating on social media that alleged an association between him and the suspect. "Ordinarily, I would not dignify such desperate propaganda with a response. However, because of the potential for misinformation and the need to set the records straight, it has become necessary to address the falsehoods being peddled by those determined to tarnish my hard-earned reputation," he stated.

Hamzat emphasized his commitment to justice and the rule of law throughout his public life. "Let me state categorically that I have never, at any time, sponsored, encouraged, shielded, or supported any individual involved in criminal activities. Throughout my public life as a broadcaster, humanitarian, and now gubernatorial candidate of the Accord, I have consistently stood on the side of justice, truth, and the rule of law," he asserted.

“

Let me state categorically that I have never, at any time, sponsored, encouraged, shielded, or supported any individual involved in criminal activities. Throughout my public life as a broadcaster, humanitarian, and now gubernatorial candidate of the Accord, I have consistently stood on the side of justice, truth, and the rule of law.

The controversy stems from a police raid on June 12, 2026, in the Gbeku area of Olodo, Ibadan. Operatives of the Oyo State Police Command targeted a residence believed to be linked to criminal activities, arresting five suspected armed robbers and recovering firearms, ammunition, and suspected criminal charms. Following the raid, social media users reportedly circulated claims portraying Ilupeju as Hamzat’s associate. Hamzat argued that any alleged association does not imply knowledge of or involvement in an individual's criminal activities, calling such suggestions illogical and dishonest.

“

The attempt to suggest that I bear responsibility for the personal actions or alleged criminal conduct of any individual simply because such a person may have had an association with me is both illogical and dishonest. Employment, acquaintance, or social interaction with a person does not confer knowledge of, or complicity in, every aspect of that person’s private life.