By John Dike, Osogbo
The Accord Party House of Representatives candidate for Ijesa South Federal Constituency, Hon. Alaba Popoola, popularly known as Alabama, has been released from police custody after spending 26 days in detention.
Popoola was reportedly apprehended alongside other supporters of the Accord Party amid the political tension that characterised the period before, during and after the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
The circumstances surrounding their detention had generated public concern, with calls from politicians and other stakeholders for the release of those arrested in connection with the election-related tensions.
Governor Ademola Adeleke had also reportedly called for the immediate release of Accord Party members arrested in connection with matters arising from the political situation in the state.
Popoola’s release followed a court order granting him unconditional bail, according to Pelumi Olajengbesi, spokesperson for the Ademola Adeleke Governorship Campaign Council.
Olajengbesi, in a statement shared on his verified Facebook page, disclosed that 16 other Accord Party members who had also been detained by the police were released following the intervention of the court.
He alleged that the 16 party members were arrested while canvassing votes for Governor Adeleke during the August 15 governorship election.
According to him, the detainees were subsequently moved from Osun to different locations, including Abuja, Keffi and Suleja, where they were detained without any established offence.
“We have just secured, through the intervention of the court, the release of another 16 members of the Accord Party who have been in police detention for the past 24 hours,” Olajengbesi said.
He further alleged that Popoola’s arrest and prolonged detention were politically motivated, claiming that the Accord candidate had spent 26 days in custody without any credible allegation being established against him.
“The court also granted unconditional bail to Hon. Alaba Popoola, popularly known as Alabama, who has been detained for 26 days following his arrest, which we maintain was politically motivated and carried out at the instance of Senator Francis Fadahunsi,” he said.
Olajengbesi expressed concern over what he described as the prolonged detention of the Accord candidate, arguing that the development raised questions about respect for the rule of law and the institutional integrity of the Nigeria Police Force.
He urged the police to exercise their constitutional powers in accordance with the law and resist being drawn into political disputes.
“The Nigeria Police Force must never allow itself to become an instrument for settling political scores. Its enormous constitutional powers must be exercised in defence of citizens and the rule of law, not at the convenience of politically exposed persons,” he said.
He also commended the judiciary for intervening in the matter, describing the court’s decision as a safeguard against arbitrary detention and alleged abuse of state power.
The release of Popoola and the other Accord members comes against the backdrop of heightened political tension in Osun State following the August 15 governorship election, which was won by the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke.
The election and its aftermath witnessed allegations and counter-allegations among political parties over violence, arrests and the conduct of security agencies.
Several political actors have since called for reconciliation and a reduction in political tension across the state.
However, the allegations concerning the circumstances of Popoola’s arrest, the reason for his prolonged detention and the alleged involvement of Senator Francis Fadahunsi could not be independently established from the statement.
The police have also not, in the material available, publicly provided their account of the circumstances surrounding Popoola’s arrest or disclosed the specific offence for which he was detained.
His release is, however, expected to renew discussions on the treatment of politicians and supporters arrested during the election period, as well as the need for all parties to embrace reconciliation and allow the post-election process to proceed peacefully.
