NANS calls for release of student leader arrested over political crisis in Osun

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone, has issued a strong call for the immediate release or legal prosecution of student leader Alalade Bukola Felix. Felix, also known as "Machiavelli," was apprehended by the police in Osun State on allegations of participating in violence during a political event.

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The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has taken note of the press release issued by the Osun State Police Command concerning the arrest and continued detention of Comrade Alalade Bukola Felix, popularly known as “Machiavelli.”

NANS has given the police a 24-hour ultimatum to either present Felix before a competent court with evidence or set him free. The student body vehemently opposes what it terms "indefinite detention," emphasizing that an allegation does not equate to a conviction and that the burden of proof lies squarely with the accusers.

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Having personally visited the Osun State Police Command in Osogbo over this matter, we find several aspects of the explanation offered by the Command deeply troubling and deserving of urgent clarification.

According to NANS, their investigation, including a visit to the Osun State Police Command, revealed troubling aspects of Felix's arrest and detention. His wife reported that police operatives entered their home around 1:00 a.m. without proper notification, taking him away. He was initially held at an Area Command in Ilesa before being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Osogbo.

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Our position is straightforward: If such evidence exists, place it before a competent court and prosecute him according to law.

The police have since claimed that Felix is connected to a violent incident and that video evidence exists. However, NANS stated that no credible supporting material was presented during their engagements with the police command. The association stressed that while they acknowledge the police's duty to investigate crimes, they will not tolerate a situation where allegations lead to prolonged detention without judicial intervention. NANS has appealed directly to the Inspector-General of Police to intervene and ensure that the Osun State Police Command acts strictly within legal and professional boundaries, free from political influence.

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We acknowledge the responsibility of the Nigeria Police Force to investigate crime and arrest persons where there is reasonable suspicion of an offence. What we will not accept is a situation where an allegation gradually becomes punishment through continued detention without the intervention of a court.