Amotekun Hands Over Four Operatives To Police Over Ife Attacks

The Osun State Amotekun Corps has clarified that four of its operatives were voluntarily handed over to the police to assist investigations into the recent attacks in Ile-Ife and the death of late Oyeyemi Ajagungbade Emir.

The clarification followed reports circulating on social media alleging that five Amotekun operatives had been arrested by the police in connection with the incidents.

The Corps, in a statement issued on Monday by its Public Relations Officer, CSA Yusuf Idowu Abass, described the reports as misleading, saying the operatives were not arrested by the police.

According to the statement, the Corps Commander, High Chief Dr. Hon. Adekunle Isaac Omoyele, personally handed over four operatives attached to NURTW chieftain, Alowonle Nurudeen, to the Osun State Police Command.

It said the decision was taken in the interest of transparency and accountability and to enable the police conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the recent attacks in Ile-Ife.

“The Police did not arrest the Amotekun operatives in question. Rather, the Corps Commander of the Osun State Amotekun Corps, High Chief Dr. Hon. Adekunle Isaac Omoyele, in the interest of transparency, accountability and a thorough investigation, personally handed over four operatives attached to NURTW chieftain Alowonle Nurudeen to the Osun State Police Command,” the statement said.

The Corps urged members of the public and media practitioners to distinguish between being arrested and being voluntarily handed over for investigation, stressing that the circumstances surrounding the operatives should not be sensationalised before the conclusion of the police probe.

It further called on journalists, bloggers and social media users to verify information before publishing or circulating reports, particularly on sensitive security matters that could create unnecessary tension or damage the reputation of individuals and institutions.

The Amotekun Corps said it remained committed to professionalism, discipline and accountability, adding that it would continue to cooperate with the police and other security agencies in efforts to establish the facts surrounding the Ile-Ife attacks.

The Corps also appealed to the public to allow the investigation to run its full course and avoid reaching premature conclusions about the operatives involved.

It assured that anyone found culpable after the investigation would be made to face the law, while reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property and upholding the rule of law.