Osun gets new CP as Adeleke demands police reforms, release of detainees

Osun State, Nigeria – The state government has welcomed Ibrahim Zungura as the new Commissioner of Police, with Governor Ademola Adeleke immediately calling for significant reforms within the state's police command. Adeleke also urged the release of individuals he characterized as political detainees during a courtesy visit by Zungura and senior police officers.

Zungura, who assumed his duties on Monday, pledged to collaborate with the state government to restore peace and public trust in the police force. His arrival follows a period of strained relations between the Adeleke administration and the police, particularly in the lead-up to and aftermath of the August 15 governorship election. The new CP promised impartial policing and committed to addressing security concerns, stating, "Osun is a peaceful state, and we will work to address all outstanding issues."

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I promise to work with the state government for peace and stability of the state. I will be fair to all, and I will prove my commitment in the next few weeks. Osun is a peaceful state, and we will work to address all outstanding issues.

Governor Adeleke highlighted that post-election peace has not been fully re-established and urged Zungura to focus on rebuilding trust between the community and the police. He specifically referenced a recent police operation in Ikire where two individuals died, alleging that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in that area was implicated. Adeleke demanded disciplinary action against the DPO, calling him "a threat to the people he was posted to protect."

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Based on all details of the attacks, I request immediate commencement of disciplinary action against the DPO. He has become a threat to the people he was posted to protect.

In his list of requests, Adeleke emphasized the need for professional, impartial, and people-oriented policing to rebuild public trust. He also called for closer cooperation between the government and the police command, seeking "no favour other than fair policing." Furthermore, the governor urged the reorganization of internal police operations, targeting units perceived as compromised or partisan, stating, "There is a need to dissolve many police operational units because they have been compromised."

Adeleke also requested full police participation in State Security Council meetings, alleging that the predecessor of the new CP had not adequately engaged in these crucial discussions.

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I know you will be worried that Osun people see certain police units as the home base of APC thugs. There is a need to dissolve many police operational units because they have been compromised.