CP Apologises, vows to sanction erring officers
By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State police boss, Ibrahim Gotan, has publicly apologised to the Secretary of the state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lekan Akindoju, over his unlawful arrest and detention by officers of the state command.
The apology comes days after armed policemen, reportedly attached to the Prompt Response Unit (PRU), stormed Akindoju’s residence in Osogbo in the early hours of June 11, allegedly harassing, handcuffing and detaining him without justification.
Speaking through the Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, during a television programme, the police commissioner expressed regret over the incident and assured the public that investigations were ongoing to identify and sanction the officers responsible.
“I want to beg the Osun NUJ Secretary, all citizens of Osun State and journalists in the state not to be angry over the incident. The Commissioner of Police directed me to tender this apology. We are investigating the officers involved,” Ojelabi stated.
Akindoju, who is also an editor with Rave FM, had narrated how heavily armed officers invaded his home around 6:00 a.m., subjected him to intimidation and whisked him away to a police facility.
He was released approximately five hours later following interventions by prominent stakeholders.
According to him, the officers later admitted that his arrest was a case of mistaken identity.
The NUJ secretary further alleged that another resident arrested alongside with him was compelled to pay N77,000 before securing his release.
“After interventions, the CP ordered my release, but I was still compelled to write a statement explaining the identities of people living in my compound.
“My employer was also made to complete a bail bond. Although I did not pay any money, the other person arrested with me later informed me that N77,000 was collected from him before he regained his freedom,” Akindoju said.
The incident drew widespread condemnation from the NUJ and other civil society groups, which described the arrest as an abuse of power and a threat to press freedom.
The organisations demanded that the police command identify and prosecute the officers involved in the operation, particularly those accused of extortion.
Some journalists who spoke with our correspondent also condemned the action of the police, describing the arrest of a journalist on the grounds of mistaken identity as unacceptable and embarrassing.
One of the journalists said, “The policemen reportedly jumped over the fence into the residence, arrested and handcuffed our secretary without any known offence. This action is not only unacceptable but also exposes the unprofessional conduct of some security personnel.
” We strongly call on the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
“We demand more than verbal apologies. Officers responsible for this unlawful arrest should be identified and sanctioned. It could have happened to anyone, and this case must serve as a deterrent to police officers who engage in illegal and unlawful operations.”
Responding to the calls, the police commissioner pledged that the command would uncover the identities of the officers responsible and ensure that appropriate disciplinary measures are taken.
The development has sparked renewed concerns about police conduct and respect for citizens’ rights, with media stakeholders urging security agencies to uphold professionalism and the rule of law in their operations.
