The Osun State Amotekun Corps has clarified that four of its operatives were voluntarily handed over to the police for investigation following the recent attacks in Ile-Ife and the death of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s aide, Oyeyemi Ajagungbade, popularly known as Emir Ajagungbade.
The corps also dismissed reports that five of its personnel had been arrested by the police in connection with the incident, describing the reports as misleading.
In a statement issued on Monday by its Public Relations Officer, Idowu Abass, the corps said its Commander, Isaac Omoyele, personally handed over the four operatives to the Osun State Police Command to facilitate a thorough investigation.
According to the statement, the operatives were attached to NURTW chieftain, Alowonle Nurudeen.
“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,” Abass said.
He explained that the decision was aimed at enabling the police to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attacks in Ile-Ife and determine whether the operatives had any connection to the incidents.
The corps urged the public and media organisations to distinguish between an arrest and a voluntary handover for investigation, warning against drawing conclusions 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,” the statement added.
The development followed the killing of Ajagungbade, an aide to Governor Adeleke, amid a series of attacks reported in Ile-Ife.
The Amotekun Corps said it remained committed to professionalism, discipline and accountability, adding that it would continue to cooperate with other security agencies in addressing security threats across the state.
It also appealed to journalists, bloggers and social media users to verify reports before publishing, particularly when dealing with sensitive security matters.
The corps said it would support the ongoing investigation and ensure that anyone found culpable was made to face the law.
