Blessing Bello, Reporting
THE Osun State Police Command has arrested Kareem Saheed, widely known as “Tanfiani,” in connection with the murder of 14-year-old Olapade Ezekiel, who was killed during a political clash between supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Accord Party in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area.
Parading the suspect alongside 23 others before journalists in Osogbo on Monday, the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, disclosed that the arrests were part of an intensified crackdown on political violence and cult-related offences threatening the peace of the state.
According to Mr Gotan, the Command is fully aware of the recent spate of cult-related killings and acts of thuggery, some of which have been given political undertones.
“Through intensified operations, the Command has arrested several suspects linked to these crimes and remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents,” he stated.
The other suspects were named as Oyeladun Muideen, Ridwan Adekola, Mukaila Azeez, Sunday Friday, Olamilekan Fatai, Tiamiyu Ismail, Famuyiwa Toib, Ajiboye Toheed, Morufu Sodiq, Folorunso Moshood, Hassan Sodiq, Badiru Saheed, Adegoke Olalekan, Faruk Olawale, Iyanuoluwa Sarumi, Afolabi Ahmed, Adeshina Lukman, Mutiu Opeyemi, Olusola Daniel, Abiola Olabode, Azeez Abiodun, Babatunde Kehinde and Dada Mayowa.
The Police Commissioner issued a stern warning to criminally minded individuals, including cultists and political thugs, to desist from acts capable of disrupting public peace and order.
“I am using this opportunity to warn all criminally minded individuals, including cultists, political thugs and other troublemakers, to desist from acts capable of disrupting public peace and order or face the full wrath of the law,” Mr Gotan said.
He added: “I want to reiterate the Command’s commitment to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure a peaceful atmosphere before, during, and after the forthcoming elections.”
However, Mr Saheed denied any involvement in the teenager’s death while speaking with journalists, claiming he was being framed by members of the Accord Party. He insisted he was not present at the scene of the incident.
“The video that went viral on social media was recorded on Friday when some Accord Party thugs, led by individuals identified as Asibu and Bebo, allegedly invaded the local government secretariat with guns concealed in their vehicles,” Mr Saheed explained.
“I seized one of the guns and later handed it over to an Accord Party leader who came to the council with them. I was not at the scene when the boy was killed,” he maintained.
All 24 suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue, with the Command vowing to ensure that justice is served ahead of the state’s upcoming electoral cycle.
