Political Bombshell: Osun APC Alleges Adeleke Interference in Suspect's Release
The Osun State APC Governorship Campaign Council has accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of allegedly trying to influence the release of a wanted criminal suspect arrested at the SSG's residence. The suspect, Abiodun Oladele Arowomole, is linked to violent incidents, prompting the APC to demand an unhindered investigation and potential dismissal of the SSG. The party emphasizes that the fight against crime must be free from political interference.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Campaign Council in Osun State has publicly accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of attempting to obstruct justice by allegedly influencing security agencies to release a wanted criminal suspect. This serious allegation was brought forward by Engr. Oluremi Omowaiye, the Head of Media and Publicity for the APC Governorship Campaign Council, during a press briefing held in Osogbo on Thursday.
According to Omowaiye, the suspect, identified as Abiodun Oladele Arowomole, also known as Abbey Ashipa, was reportedly apprehended by the police at the residence of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye. Arowomole had been declared wanted by the police in connection with multiple violent incidents, including the alleged killings of several APC members and supporters. The APC further claimed that certain criminal suspects in the state are receiving protection from influential political figures within the state government.
The APC campaign spokesman vehemently called upon Governor Adeleke to fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies and ensure that investigations proceed without any form of political interference. Omowaiye stressed the importance of decisive action from the governor regarding this development, explicitly stating that if investigations substantiate any wrongdoing on the part of the SSG, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, he should be immediately relieved of his appointment.
The party reiterated its stance that the fight against crime must transcend partisan politics, emphasizing that all individuals found culpable, regardless of their political affiliations, must be subjected to prosecution under the law. Omowaiye issued a stern warning against any alleged pressure from the governor aimed at securing Arowomole's release, insisting that the suspect must be allowed to face the full weight of the judicial system. He highlighted that Arowomole is purportedly linked to previous attacks across various parts of the state, citing a specific incident in Egbatedo in 2024 where a passerby allegedly lost their life.
Maintaining that any attempt to interfere with ongoing police investigations would constitute a direct assault on the rule of law and undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s criminal justice system, the APC called for the immediate dismissal of the SSG if the allegations surrounding the arrest are proven. "It is our position that no government genuinely committed to peace and security should be seen shielding criminal suspects or obstructing lawful investigations," Omowaiye stated.
Concluding its address, the campaign council urged all security agencies to diligently ensure that every individual found culpable is arrested and prosecuted in strict accordance with the law, irrespective of their political leanings. The APC also took the opportunity to commend the officers of the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police’s special squad for their professionalism and unwavering commitment to combating criminal activities within Osun State.