The Osun State Government has cautioned the state police command against yielding to alleged political pressure in the handling of a suspected bandit linked to the Lameco area, warning against what it described as attempts to secure the suspect’s release on unsubstantiated psychiatric grounds.
The government’s reaction followed allegations by a civil society organisation, the Public Safety Accountability Group, which accused some high-profile members of the All Progressives Congress in the state of mounting pressure on the police to release the suspect on medical grounds.
According to the group, certain APC chieftains had allegedly visited police stations and sent emissaries to facilitate the suspect’s release, describing the move as an attempt to undermine efforts to dismantle a criminal gang.
The police had earlier responded by confirming that the suspect was undergoing psychiatric evaluation and that an herbalist had reportedly been treating him for mental illness for the past 10 years.
However, the police statement did not address allegations regarding the involvement of APC leaders in efforts to secure the suspect’s bail.
Reacting to the development on its X handle, the Osun State Government warned against the manipulation of law enforcement for partisan interests and urged the police command to remain vigilant against actions capable of undermining public confidence in the security system.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi on X on Monday, the government called on the police to provide clarification on several issues surrounding the case.
“Where is the medical report on the reported psychiatric condition of the suspect? Who is the herbalist and where is his statement of treating the suspect for the last 10 years? Is it true that APC chieftains have visited and sent emissaries to the police to secure the release of the suspect?” the government queried.
The government also questioned the timing of the police response to the matter.
“Why was the police silent on the Lameco suspect until the civil society group raised eyebrows on the subject?” the statement asked.
The state government warned the police against actions that could embolden criminal elements at a delicate time for the state’s security.
“The state police command should be wary of actions and activities that may embolden criminals in this delicate period,” the statement said.
It further called the attention of the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to the development, urging them to ensure transparency and professionalism in the handling of the case.
The government also tasked the Commissioner of Police in Osun State with halting what it described as the politicisation of a sensitive security matter.
“The commissioner of police should stop the ongoing politicisation of a delicate state security matter,” the statement noted.
