Osun Amotekun Denies Operative Arrested With AK-47, Dismisses Report as False
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
The Osun Amotekun Corps has denied reports circulating on social media alleging that one of its operatives was arrested by the police in Osogbo with an AK-47 rifle, describing the claim as false and a calculated attempt to tarnish the image of the security outfit.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Corps’ Public Relations Officer, CSA Yusuf Idowu Abass, said the allegation was “entirely baseless, unfounded and malicious,” stressing that no Amotekun personnel was arrested in connection with the alleged incident.
“Our attention was drawn to the fabricated report making the rounds on various social media platforms alleging that an operative of the Corps was apprehended with an AK-47 rifle. We wish to state unequivocally that the report is false, inaccurate and does not reflect any factual occurrence involving the Osun Amotekun Corps or any of its personnel,” Abass said.
He described the publication as “a deliberate act of misinformation orchestrated by individuals whose objective is to tarnish the hard-earned reputation of the Osun Amotekun Corps, mislead the public and undermine the confidence reposed in the Corps by the people of Osun State.”
The Corps urged members of the public to disregard the report, insisting that it was “nothing more than propaganda designed to create unnecessary panic, spread falsehood and bring the Corps into public disrepute.”
According to the statement, Osun Amotekun has continued to operate within the provisions of the law establishing the Corps, while maintaining close collaboration with other security agencies to promote peace, public safety and effective community policing across the state.
Abass noted that the Corps’ achievements in crime prevention, intelligence gathering, rescue operations and the protection of communities had earned it commendation from residents, traditional institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders.
“The management of the Corps wishes to reassure members of the public that Osun Amotekun remains a law-abiding security outfit committed to professionalism, accountability and respect for the rule of law. At no time has the Corps deviated from the legal framework governing its operations, and it will continue to uphold the highest standards of discipline and operational excellence,” he said.
The Corps also appealed to journalists and social media users to verify security related information through official channels before publishing or sharing such reports.
“Responsible journalism and the responsible use of social media are essential in preventing the spread of false information capable of causing unnecessary tension and damaging the reputation of public institutions,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its commitment to its mandate, the Corps said it would not be distracted by “false allegations, malicious propaganda or calculated attempts to undermine its operations.”
“Osun Amotekun Corps remains unwavering in its responsibility to protect the lives and property of all residents of Osun State and will continue to serve the people with courage, professionalism and integrity,” the statement concluded.