The Osun State Amotekun Corps has confirmed that four of its operatives have been handed over to the police for investigation into the recent attacks in Ile-Ife and the death of Oyeyemi Ajagungbade Emir, an aide to Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Corps, however, denied reports that the operatives were arrested by the police, describing claims circulating on social media that five Amotekun personnel were arrested as misleading.
In a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Idowu Abass, the Corps said its Commander, Isaac Omoyele, voluntarily handed over the four operatives to the Osun State Police Command to facilitate a thorough investigation.
“The attention of the Osun State Amotekun Corps has been drawn to reports circulating on social media alleging that five operatives of the Corps were arrested by the police in connection with the death of the late Oyeyemi Ajagungbade Emir and the recent attacks in Ile-Ife.
“The Osun Amotekun Corps wishes to state categorically that the report, as presented, is misleading and does not reflect the true circumstances of the matter,” the statement read.
Abass explained that the four operatives were attached to NURTW chieftain Alowonle Nurudeen and were handed over to the police by Omoyele in the interest of transparency and accountability.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Police did not arrest the Amotekun operatives in question. Rather, the Corps Commander… 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 decision was taken to enable the police to conduct their investigation and unravel the circumstances surrounding the attacks in Ile-Ife,” he said.
The Corps urged the public and media practitioners to distinguish between an arrest and a voluntary handover for investigation, warning against sensationalising the incident before the police conclude their probe.
“The circumstances surrounding the four operatives should not be misrepresented or sensationalised before the conclusion of the police investigation,” Abass said.
He added that the Amotekun Corps remained committed to professionalism, discipline and accountability, stressing that it would not tolerate conduct capable of undermining public confidence in the state’s security system.
“The Osun State Amotekun Corps remains committed to professionalism, discipline, accountability and cooperation with other security agencies. The Corps does not condone indiscipline or any conduct capable of undermining public confidence in the security architecture of the state,” he added.
The Corps also appealed to journalists, bloggers and social media commentators to verify information before publishing reports, particularly on sensitive security matters.
It urged the public to allow the police investigation to run its course and avoid drawing premature conclusions about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Amotekun Corps reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and cooperating with other security agencies to ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
