The Osun State Government has cautioned the state police command against yielding to political pressure in the handling of the suspected bandit arrested in the Lameco area, warning against any attempt to secure his release through unsubstantiated claims of mental illness.
The government was reacting to recent developments surrounding the suspect, including separate statements issued by a civil society organisation and the police.
According to news obtained by Thecasternews, A civil society group, the Public Safety Accountability Group, had accused some prominent members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State of mounting pressure on the police to release the suspect on medical grounds. The group questioned why certain APC chieftains were allegedly visiting police stations and making efforts to secure the suspect’s release, describing the move as an attempt to undermine what it called a significant breakthrough in efforts to dismantle a criminal gang.
Responding to the allegations, the Osun State Police Command confirmed that the suspect was undergoing psychiatric evaluation. The command also disclosed that an herbalist had claimed to have treated the suspect for mental illness for the past ten years.
However, the police statement did not address allegations that APC chieftains were involved in efforts to secure bail for the suspect on psychiatric grounds.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, the state government warned against the manipulation of law enforcement processes for partisan interests.
The government urged the police command to exercise caution and avoid actions capable of emboldening criminal elements, particularly at a time when security concerns remain sensitive across the state.
The state government further demanded answers to what it described as critical questions surrounding the reported attempt to release the suspect.
It asked the police to provide details of the medical report supporting claims of the suspect’s psychiatric condition and to identify the herbalist who allegedly treated him for a decade, including evidence of any statement made by the individual.
The government also demanded clarification on allegations that APC chieftains had visited police facilities or sent emissaries to secure the suspect’s release.
In addition, it questioned why the police command remained silent on the matter until concerns were raised publicly by the civil society organisation.
The Osun State Government called on the Inspector-General of Police and other relevant security agencies to closely monitor developments surrounding the case. It also urged the Commissioner of Police in the state to prevent the politicisation of what it described as a delicate security matter with significant implications for public safety.
The government reiterated its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at combating criminality and ensuring that security-related investigations are conducted transparently and without political interference.
