Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun
By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, to caution the state police boss, CP Ibrahim Gotan, over alleged unlawful arrests and prolonged detention of individuals in the state.
He also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of one of his aides, Abiodun Adegoke Apesin, who has been in police custody for several days over a defamation petition allegedly linked to the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Oyebamiji.
The governor, in a statement issued in Osogbo on Monday by his spokesman, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, described Apesin’s continued detention as a violation of his fundamental human rights, noting that the alleged offence is non-capital and bailable under the Nigerian law.
He expressed concern that Apesin was denied bail on two separate occasions despite meeting all conditions set by the police, including the presentation of senior civil servants as sureties.
Adeleke described the situation as unacceptable as he accused the state police command of acting in a partisan manner.
He questioned the rationale behind keeping the aide in detention without arraignment, insisting that such actions undermine the rule of law and public confidence in the police.
According to him, Osun Police Command has, since the appointment of CP Gotan, allegedly engaged in arbitrary detentions, refusal of bail, and harassment of individuals, particularly those associated with the state government.
He warned the police against allowing themselves to be used as instruments of political intimidation, stressing that such conduct could threaten peace and security in Osun State.
His words, “One of my aides has been detained for more than five days without being charged to court and has been refused bail twice.
“This is a clear violation of the law and the Constitution.”
He further alleged that prior to Apesin’s arrest, another aide, Iyiola Monsuru, was also detained without formal invitation, adding that the pattern suggests targeted harassment of his media team.
GAdeleke urged the Inspector-General of Police to intervene by directing the immediate release of Apesin and ensuring professionalism, impartiality, and adherence to the rule of law by the Osun State Police Command.
He concluded by stressing that the police must remain neutral, non-partisan, and committed to serving the interests of all Nigerians in accordance with the Constitution.
