The Osun State Commissioner of Police, Olawale Olokode has described the allegations against his by members of the Osun Progressives as fallacies and an attempt to malign his character and that of the command.
Olokode, who addressed newsmen in Osogbo on Sunday, said the command under his watch has continued to investigate all criminal cases and petitions and those found culpable have been prosecuted as prescribed by the law.
The Chairman of the Osun Progressives, Alhaji Rasak Salinsile on Friday during a press briefing indicted the police boss, alleging him of taking side with Governor Gboyega Oyetola-led IleriOluwa group.
“On the allegations of de-humanization, I wish to state that it has never been in my character, and those who know me can testify that I have never engaged in such. No amount of inducement can make me change my character.
“It is also pertinent to state that the recent attack on some APC members in Ikirun, Ifelodun local government was thoroughly investigated, and those suspected to be behind the crime were arrested. Among those arrested are two members of the TOP group, one from IleriOluwa and two persons who confirmed not to be politicians at all. They were all charged to court, and at no point did my office interfere with the investigation. So no persecution or de-humanization at any point.
“To continue maintaining fairness, all Area Commanders, Departmental Heads, Tactical Commanders, and Divisional Police Officer are put on their toes. This was done ensure that the Command is not only doing the needful but also showing fairness to all.”
Speaking on why he did not deploy his men to the venue of the group’s factional Congress, Olokode said, “it is a known fact that the Congress of the APC was a national affairs and a letter was sent to the Inspector General of Police. The venue of each State was stated and no other venue other than the Osogbo township stadium was stated in the letter I received. The Committee from Abuja, including INEC officials were at the stadium and that’s why we mobilized our men to the stadium to provide security. No other letter was sent to my office by any other group.
“Notwithstanding this, upon receiving their petitions, all those fingered were invited during the course of our investigation and no one was found culpable. Police does not work on emotions but with facts unraveled during our investigations.”
“On the allegation that I masterminded the disruption and attack at the APC secretariat on August 13, 2021. I see this as a complete attack on my personality. I left everything I was doing to personally lead operations at the said building and till the end. The attack was investigated and those fingered by suspects were charged accordingly. The group should provide more empirical facts to substantiate these allegations.
“It is on record that the Appeal committee, led by Ambassador Obed Wazdani upon completion of its assignment praised the effort of Osun Police Command, by being ‘very professional’ in providing protection for them. Their full statement and report can be accessed on the internet.
He added that he has been attending all programmes he got invitation to. “Those I can remember vividly was the commissioning of computer sets at Muslim Grammar School, Ilesha, in January 14, this year. The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, surprised by my presence, made some comments and advice about our operations. Another one was at Zenabab Hotel and Resorts on 6 June, 2021, when an Awolowo Center for Philosophy was honouring the Minister at 64.”
“I want to state that despite that the command was not informed of any meeting at Oranmiyan House where attack was reported, we quickly mobilized our men to the place. Apart from this, the police have investigated all the attacks, including the recent one at the Oranmiyan House in Osogbo and when needs be, suspects will be prosecuted.
“For the record, since I have been posted to the state in December 2020, I have done my best to ensure that Osun State remains one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria. We are all aware of the hitherto prevalent cases of kidnapping across Osun State which has now been subdued by the war we waged against them. We promptly deploy our officers to the volatile parts of the state where cases of kidnapping were rising, freed many victims, and arrest kidnappers many of whom have been prosecuted. We can all testify that kidnapping case in Osun is becoming a thing of the past.
“I also want to state that Osun State Police Command has done well to curtail ritual killings. Those who perpetrated the acts in Iwo, Ikirun, Osogbo and may others were arrested with exhibits and were charged to court for prosecution.
“Finally, as political atmosphere get tense, Osun Police Command under my watch will not tolerate any act that can throw away the peace of the State. We will continue, not only to respond to issues, but be proactive in tackling any matter that can jeopardize the peace of the State. We’re ever ready to continue working with all stakeholders to prevent breakdown of laws and orders. We want to warn politicians to do their politics without dragging the Force into it.
The Police Commissioner reassured all residents of Osun State to continue with their lawful activities without entertaining any fear.
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