Osun: AIG orders immediate release of arrested students, pledges probe into alleged assault

From Lateef Dada, Osogbo

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 11, Bassey Ewah, has ordered the immediate release of arrested students from Ede, Osun State, following an interactive meeting with student representatives and the affected individuals.

The intervention follows a viral video shared on X (formerly Twitter) by user Oyekola A. Samuel (@OKollyp), which showed a young man being assaulted and manhandled by men in police uniform while a young woman pleaded with the officers to spare him.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, Ojedele Tunji, disclosed that the AIG met with student representatives and assured them of a thorough and impartial investigation into the alleged assault committed by operatives of the Zone 11 Cybercrime Unit.

The AIG further emphasised the imperative of accountability and professionalism in the discharge of police duties, promising that the findings of the investigation will be made public upon conclusion.

He urged the public to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring them that appropriate measures are being taken to address the situation and ensure that justice is served.

In a related development, AIG Ewah has ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of anyone caught destroying, defacing or unlawfully removing campaign posters, billboards and other campaign materials belonging to political parties or candidates.

Describing such acts as provocative, unlawful and capable of fuelling unnecessary tension, political hostility and a breakdown of public order, especially as political activities intensify across the region, the AIG issued a stern warning to political parties, supporters and stakeholders.

He cautioned them against acts of provocation, intimidation, vandalism and violence, urging instead a culture of political tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

Reassuring residents of Osun and Oyo states, the Zone 11 Command reiterated its unwavering commitment to providing robust security, protecting lives and property, and maintaining a peaceful atmosphere for all political activities.