From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
The Coalition of Civil Society Groups Against Corruption in Nigeria (CCSOAC) has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, demanding an investigation of Amotekun leadership in Osun State over alleged extortion and abuse of power.
The petition, signed by the Chairman of CCSOAC, Ayodeji Ologun, and the secretary, Chimezie Anyadike, a copy of which was made available to our correspondent in Osogbo on Saturday, was also copied to the State Commissioner of Police and Commandant of Amotekun.
The group accused Amotekun of brazen misconduct, intimidation, and outright criminality perpetrated by operatives of the Corps.
“While Amotekun’s mandate is strictly limited to intelligence gathering and supporting federal security agencies, its operatives in Osun State have recklessly exceeded their powers, transforming into a rogue militia that illegally arrests, detains, and extorts innocent citizens. This is a clear violation of Nigeria’s security framework and an affront to the Nigeria Police Force’s constitutional authority,” the group stated.
“On June 24, 2025, at approximately 8:45 PM, operatives of Amotekun, in collusion with OTRAN, forcibly extorted ₦6,700 from one Toyeeb Bisi Oladejo, coercing him to pay into the account of Omolara Bunmi Ogundeji. When Olaore Taiwo, a concerned citizen, exposed this criminal act on social media (Facebook), Amotekun operatives responded with violent retribution,” the petition read.
“On June 25, 2025, armed Amotekun officers stormed Olaore Taiwo’s residence, firing gunshots indiscriminately, terrorising the community, and abducting him in a Gestapo-style operation. He was only released after the Nigeria Police Force intervened, underscoring Amotekun’s lawlessness,” it added.
“A visit to Amotekun’s detention facilities in Osogbo reveals a horrifying reality: innocent citizens are being held unlawfully over petty civil disputes, loan recoveries, and personal grievances—matters far beyond Amotekun’s jurisdiction. This is not security; this is state-sponsored oppression,” the group said.
The CCSOAC demanded a full-scale investigation into Amotekun’s extortion, illegal arrests, and use of excessive force, with disciplinary measures against all culpable officers.
It also demanded the immediate dismantling of all illegal detention centres operated by Amotekun in Osun State and the unconditional release of all illegally detained persons, with proper handover to the Nigeria Police where prosecution is constitutionally authorised.
“Mandatory retraining of Amotekun personnel to strictly adhere to their legal limits—no more, no less,” the group added.