An attempt by police operatives to retrieve a suspect from the custody of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, led to a confrontation on Sunday that caused panic in parts of Akure, the state capital.

The suspect, identified as 18-year-old Tosin Adebisi, had been arrested by Amotekun personnel following a report of a stolen motorcycle. According to sources, the motorcycle was recovered during his arrest at his residence.

Shortly after the arrest, police officers from the Scorpion unit reportedly arrived at the Amotekun office in the Ijoka area and demanded the handover of the suspect. Amotekun personnel declined the request, insisting the suspect would only be released at their headquarters in Alagbaka.

The disagreement escalated, leading to gunshots being fired into the air and tear gas being deployed. Witnesses said the police eventually took the suspect by force, prompting fears among nearby residents and temporarily disrupting activity in the area.

Some Amotekun operatives were reportedly injured during the standoff.

Reacting to the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Police Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the police were first on the scene and were later confronted by Amotekun operatives accompanied by commercial motorcyclists.

“In a disorderly and commando-like manner, the Amotekun personnel and accompanying individuals forcefully took custody of the suspect and the exhibits, in the process injuring a police officer,” Ayanlade said.

He added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, had directed tactical commanders to ensure the suspect and the stolen motorcycle were retrieved. Ayanlade confirmed that following dialogue between leaders of both agencies, the suspect and exhibits were returned to police custody.

He, however, noted that, “While the matter was being amicably resolved, a few aggrieved members of the Amotekun Corps, unhappy with the release of the suspect, began firing sporadically into the air. To prevent a breakdown of law and order and to disperse the agitated crowd without harm, the police officers at the scene responded with the professional use of tear gas. No exchange of gunfire occurred between the two agencies.”