Osun warns police against political pressure over banditry suspect

The Osun State Government has issued a stern warning to the state police command, urging them not to yield to alleged political pressure in the handling of a suspect linked to banditry in the Lameco area. The government specifically cautioned against attempts to secure the suspect's release based on unsubstantiated psychiatric claims.

This reaction follows accusations from the Public Safety Accountability Group, a civil society organization. The group alleged that prominent members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State are pressuring the police to release the suspect, citing medical reasons. The group described these efforts as an attempt to undermine the ongoing efforts to dismantle a criminal gang operating in the region.

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Where is the medical report on the reported psychiatric condition of the suspect? Who is the herbalist and where is his statement of treating the suspect for the last 10 years? Is it true that APC chieftains have visited and sent emissaries to the police to secure the release of the suspect?

The police had previously confirmed that the suspect was undergoing psychiatric evaluation and that an herbalist had reportedly been treating him for mental illness for the past decade. However, the police statement did not directly address the allegations concerning the involvement of APC leaders in seeking the suspect's bail.

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Why was the police silent on the Lameco suspect until the civil society group raised eyebrows on the subject?

In response, the Osun State Government used its X handle to warn against the manipulation of law enforcement for partisan political interests. It urged the police command to remain vigilant against actions that could erode public trust in the security system. The government, through a statement by Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, posed several pointed questions.

The government demanded clarification on the medical report concerning the suspect's alleged psychiatric condition, the identity and statement of the herbalist involved, and confirmation of whether APC chieftains had indeed visited or sent emissaries to the police. The statement also questioned the police's delayed response, asking why they remained silent on the matter until the civil society group raised concerns. Osun State emphasized the need for the police command to avoid actions that could embolden criminals during this sensitive security period and alerted the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to the development, calling for transparency and professionalism.

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The state police command should be wary of actions and activities that may embolden criminals in this delicate period.