By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Police Command has arrested 19 suspects allegedly involved in the attack and inhumane treatment of a police officer in Erin-Osun and Ilobu communities of Arogbodun Local Government Area.
It was reported that police officers were deployed to maintain peace following a dispute over community land in the affected areas.
The arrests were confirmed during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Osogbo by the State Police Commissioner, Mr. Ibrahim Gotan, on Tuesday.
Commissioner Gotan recounted that the incident occurred on 24th March 2026, when intelligence indicated that some youths planned to disrupt the peace over the land dispute.
While police successfully dispersed the crowd, a group of youths from Ilobu allegedly became hostile and physically assaulted officers. One officer was reportedly dragged to the Olobu’s palace, where he was subjected to inhumane treatment.
An intervention team was immediately deployed, restoring order and arresting four suspects on the spot. Following intelligence-led operations, an additional 15 suspects were apprehended on 29th March 2026, bringing the total arrests to 19.
Among those arrested were community leaders and youths, including Olaitan Bashiru, Baale of Apeponroro; Tajudeen Aralamo, Baale of OkeAyepe; and Mustau Salam, Oluode of Ilobu.
Other suspects were aged between 18 and 65 years. The police also recovered a single-barrel gun, a live cartridge, and a cutlass.
“Any person involved in attacks on police officers, regardless of their status, will face the full weight of the law. The era of impunity is over, and the Command will not tolerate lawlessness under any guise,” Commissioner Gotan warned.
In separate operations, the Command arrested eight suspects for allegedly obtaining money under false pretences.
The principal suspect allegedly defrauded a complainant of ₦13,200,000 under the pretense of clearing trucks supposedly sent from the United States. She was apprehended in Ile-Ife on 27th December 2025.
Similarly, two suspects aged 53, and 60 were arrested for allegedly defrauding victims under the guise of executing state contracts and performing money rituals.
Investigations revealed that one of the suspects collected ₦7 million from a petitioner promising to execute a state contract, while the other allegedly offered ritual services in exchange for $200,000. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend additional suspects.
Additionally, five suspected members of the notorious Black Axe (Aye) confraternity were arrested following an attack on victims in Adeti Area, Isida, Ilesa, on 23rd March 2026, while confiscated items included an axe and various criminal charms.
Speaking on preparations for National Police Day 2026, Commissioner Gotan revealed that activities began on 30th March with sanitation exercises and a free medical outreach in Osogbo.
A walkathon is scheduled for 31st March, with similar initiatives across other jurisdictions.
On 1st April, officers will conduct public sensitization campaigns addressing electoral violence, safe driving, and traffic compliance.
Cheques will be presented to families of deceased officers on 2nd April, culminating in a grand finale on 7th April at Eagle Square, Abuja, featuring a ceremonial parade and procession.
Commissioner Gotan reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives, enforcing the law, and building community trust.
He said, “Our resolve is firm. Those who habitually violate the law will face justice, and the Command will continue to engage with the people of Osun State to maintain peace and security across all communities.”
