The Osun Amotekun Corps strongly refutes the unfounded and misleading allegations of extortion recently circulated on social media by an individual identified as a motorcyclist in Ikirun, Ifelodun Local Government Area. These allegations, which suggest collusion between the Amotekun Corps and the Osun State Transport Agency (OTRAN), are entirely false and appear to be part of a deliberate attempt to tarnish the reputation of the Corps.
This was contained in a statement signed by Yusuf Idowu Abass Public Relations Officer
Osun Amotekun Corps on Tuesday.
According to the statement, The attention of the Amotekun Corps was drawn to a viral post alleging that operatives of the Ifelodun Command of the Corps were complicit in extorting money from a motorcyclist in collaboration with OTRAN officials.
” After a thorough review and investigation, we categorically state that this claim is baseless, misleading, and politically motivated.
Contrary to the social media narrative, the incident in question solely involved officials of OTRAN and had no direct involvement from Amotekun operatives.
“According to verified information gathered by the Corps:
The individual in question was apprehended by OTRAN officers while operating a motorcycle that did not belong to him.
“When questioned, he was unable to provide the necessary documentation for the motorcycle, prompting OTRAN officials to demand that the legal owner present themselves.
“The motorcycle was taken to the OTRAN office, which is adjacent to the Amotekun Ifelodun Command, and not inside the Amotekun facility as erroneously reported. Upon arrival, the owner of the motorcycle paid a stipulated fine to OTRAN officers to retrieve the Motorcycle.
“At no point was the Amotekun Corps involved in the arrest, detention, or collection of any money in connection with this matter.
“It is crucial to highlight that while the Amotekun Corps shares office premises in some locations with other legitimate law enforcement or regulatory bodies, our mandate remains distinct, and our operations are carried out independently. Sharing office space should not be misconstrued as collaboration in activities outside the purview of our duties.
“The false linkage of Amotekun to this incident is not only an attempt to mislead the public but also a smear campaign driven by political interests. Just a week ago, the Corps raised concerns about coordinated efforts by certain individuals and groups to bring the name of Amotekun into disrepute. This recent allegation appears to be in line with such tactics.
“Amotekun Corps remains apolitical and committed to its mandate of protecting lives and property across Osun State. We urge the public to disregard these defamatory claims and treat them as the malicious misinformation they are.
“We also call on individuals circulating such unverified and damaging information to desist from doing so. The Corps will not stand idle while its reputation is unfairly dragged into controversies for political or personal gain. Legal action may be pursued against those who persist in spreading falsehoods intended to harm the integrity of the Amotekun initiative.
“Amotekun is a people-centered security outfit established to complement existing security agencies and to serve the good people of Osun State.
“We will continue to uphold the trust placed in us and work tirelessly to maintain peace and order in the state”. The statement concluded
