‘Arrest My Son If He Commits Any Crime— Osun Governor Tells Police IGP Disu
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has declared that anyone found committing crimes in the state should be arrested regardless of political affiliation or personal relationship, while raising concerns over intelligence reports indicating that some individuals may be planning to reignite violence in parts of the state.
The governor made the remarks during the visit of the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to the Osun State Government House, where security issues and recent developments in the state were discussed.
Speaking during the meeting, the Inspector General of Police said he was aware of concerns surrounding the performance of the Commissioner of Police in Osun State and allegations involving criminal suspects.
“I have heard that you are not happy and some people are not happy with the Commissioner of Police in Osun State for this reason and that reason,” he said.
The police chief further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police had informed him that some suspects being sought by the police were allegedly taking refuge within the Government House.
"He too has briefed me that some suspects he is looking for are hibernating in the government house. I have looked at that if that is true, why should criminals be in the government house but I have told him that if that's true, he has a way of going about all these and I have heard that this party and that party are hibernating criminals,” he stated.
Responding, Governor Adeleke insisted that no individual should receive protection from the law, regardless of any relationship with him or his administration.
“If you see any of my people committing crime, arrest them. All these lies, I don't play that. If it is my son that committed a crime, arrest him and that is what I am saying in front of the Inspector General of Police,” the governor said.
He criticised what he described as political gamesmanship surrounding security matters and stressed the need for law enforcement agencies to focus on bringing perpetrators of violence to justice.
“But for you to be playing all these games and everything like that. The person that has been killed, a forty year old born in Ilobu," Adeleke said.
The governor also revealed that security intelligence available to his administration suggested that some individuals were planning to resume violent attacks within the next two weeks with the aim of creating fear among residents.
“I have a security report that in two weeks time, they will start shooting again, so that people can be scared and I am glad the Inspector General of Police is here today and he has said it openly, he would not tolerate any act of indiscipline, and he has given an order that you won't tolerate, that is why I am happy," he added.
Governor Adeleke expressed confidence that the visit of the Inspector General of Police and the directives issued during the meeting would strengthen ongoing efforts to maintain peace, prevent further violence and ensure that criminal elements operating in the state are brought to justice.