The Osun State Governorship Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of allegedly attempting to influence security agencies to secure the release of a wanted criminal suspect reportedly arrested at the residence of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye.
The Head of Media and Publicity of the APC Governorship Campaign Council, Engr. Oluremi Omowaiye, made the allegation while addressing journalists in Osogbo.
He also claimed that some criminal suspects were receiving protection from influential political figures within the state government.
Omowaiye alleged that a wanted suspect, Abiodun Oladele Arowomole, popularly known as Abbey Ashipa, was arrested by the police and had been declared wanted in connection with several violent incidents, including the alleged killings of some APC members and supporters.
He called on Governor Adeleke to cooperate fully with security agencies and allow investigations to proceed without political interference.
Omowaiye also urged the governor to take decisive action over the development, including relieving the Secretary to the State Government of his appointment if investigations establish any wrongdoing.
The APC further maintained that the fight against crime should transcend partisan politics, stressing that every individual found culpable should be prosecuted irrespective of political affiliation.
He warned the governor against allegedly mounting pressure on the police to release Arowomole, insisting that the suspect should be allowed to face the full weight of the law.
According to Omowaiye, the suspect was among individuals allegedly linked to previous attacks in parts of the state, including an incident at Egbatedo in 2024 in which a passerby reportedly lost his life.
The APC campaign spokesman maintained that any attempt to interfere with ongoing police investigations would amount to an assault on the rule of law and the integrity of the country’s criminal justice system.
The party therefore called on Governor Adeleke to immediately relieve the SSG of his appointment if the allegations surrounding the arrest are substantiated and allow law enforcement agencies to conclude their investigations without interference.
‘It is our position that no government genuinely committed to peace and security should be seen shielding criminal suspects or obstructing lawful investigations,’ Omowaiye said.
The campaign council further urged security agencies to ensure that anyone found culpable, irrespective of political affiliation, is arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
It also commended officers of the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police’s special squad for what it described as their professionalism and commitment to tackling criminal activities in Osun State.