Osun: Police arrest 27 suspects over political thuggery, others

Osun State Police Command has arrested 27 suspects in separate operations targeting cultism, political thuggery and the theft of government property across the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, disclosed this during a press briefing in Osogbo on Monday, saying the arrests were part of intensified efforts to tackle violent crimes and strengthen security ahead of the 2026 elections.

According to the police commissioner, 24 suspects were arrested for their alleged involvement in cult-related killings and acts of political thuggery in different parts of the state.

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Gotan warned cultists, political thugs, and other criminal elements to desist from activities capable of disrupting public peace or face the full weight of the law.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to maintaining peace before, during and after the 2026 elections, stressing that policing in the state would remain professional, neutral and non-partisan.

In a separate development, the command announced the arrest and arraignment of three suspects over the alleged theft of government-owned mosquito nets meant for free public distribution.

In a statement dated June 30 and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the suspects were identified as Rabbi Bennett, a USAID staff member attached to Ife North Local Government Area, Opeyemi Ajibola, a commercial motorcyclist, and Aminu Ibrahim.

According to the police, the suspects were arrested after a dispute over the proceeds from the sale of six bundles containing 300 mosquito nets on June 8, 2026, in Ipetumodu.

The command said the mosquito nets were part of a government public health intervention programme and that the suspects allegedly confessed to the offence during interrogation.

They have since been charged to court and remanded at a correctional centre pending further judicial proceedings.

“The Command reiterates its commitment to safeguarding public resources and ensuring that individuals entrusted with public welfare programmes are held accountable under the law,” Ojelabi said.

Gotan assured law-abiding residents that the safety of lives and property remains the command’s top priority and urged members of the public to continue supporting the police with credible information to combat crime across the state.