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From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has called for the immediate dismissal of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, following his arrest alongside a wanted murder suspect.
Abiodun Oladele Arowomole, also known as Abbey Ashipa, who was reportedly on the police wanted list, was arrested within the premises of the SSG by police operatives for alleged vote buying and unlawful possession of electoral materials.
Addressing a press conference in Osogbo yesterday, the Head of Media and Publicity for the Osun APC Governorship Campaign Council, Oluremi Omowaiye, said: “If Governor Ademola Adeleke is not an enabler and aider of criminality in the state, he should immediately sack Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, the Secretary to the State Government of Osun, in whose home a wanted murderer was arrested yesterday (Wednesday).”
The APC campaign council expressed deep concern over allegations that Governor Adeleke was working frantically to free suspects found at the SSG’s residence, particularly Arowomole.
“It is strange and disheartening that Governor Adeleke, who has failed abysmally to protect the lives and property of the people of Osun, is mounting pressure on the police authorities to free a terror like Ashipa, who is wanted for the murders of over 20 citizens of Osun, mostly members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress,” Omowaiye said.
According to the party, Arowomole has been linked to the killings of Sheriff Oyewale, Muraina Olayiwola (Montanna), Waheed (My Friend), Tajudeen Rabiu, Ismahil Dudu, Kazeem Oyebamiji (Mosquito) and several other party supporters.
The APC further alleged that the criminal suspect, alongside the notorious Emir Ajagungbade and an individual named Damilola, attacked a church in Egbatedo in June 2024, just weeks after Emir Ajagungbade was granted bail by a court for murder and kidnapping charges.
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“A passerby named Muhammed was killed by the thugs. While Damilola was arrested, Emir and Ashipa escaped. The police, we learned, were able to recover eight pump-action guns during the operation.
“These are criminals and killers that Governor Adeleke is harbouring because of his desperation for re-election,” the party stated.
The APC Governorship Campaign Council urged well-meaning citizens to prevail upon the Governor to stop sheltering suspected criminals, maintaining that sheltering criminals makes one no less culpable.
The party added that the governor’s actions amount to a serious assault on the rule of law and the integrity of Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
“No government that genuinely seeks peace and security should be seen attempting to obstruct lawful investigations or shield any individual from accountability.
“Governor Adeleke should rise above pettiness, temper his desperation for a second term, fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies and allow the investigative process to run its course.
“A governor who is genuinely popular would not need the services of terrors such as Emir Ajagungbade, Nurudeen Alawonle, Abbey Ashipa, Solo Iwara or other thugs to secure electoral victory,” he added.
The APC commended officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, Osun State Command, and the Inspector-General of Police Special Squad for their professionalism and commitment to ridding the state of criminals and assassins.
