Operatives of the Osun State Police Command have arrested the State Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Hon. Mayowa Adejoorin, triggering strong protests from the Accord Party, which described the action as a “bandit-like abduction” aimed at weakening the opposition ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

Adejoorin, a prominent Accord leader from Ikiyinwa in Obokun Local Government Area, was arrested on Friday under circumstances the party described as “disturbing” and politically motivated.

Briefing journalists at a press conference in Osogbo on Saturday, spokesperson for the Imole Campaign Council, Barrister Pelumi Olajengbesi, said the arrest was part of a growing pattern of intimidation against Accord leaders in Ijesaland.

Olajengbesi alleged that, for weeks, prominent Accord leaders and supporters across Ijesaland had been picked up by the police over allegations that were apparently motivated by sinister political calculations.

“The manner of his arrest is particularly disturbing. We consider what happened to Hon Adejoorin nothing short of a bandit-line abduction carried out under the cover of police authority,” he said.

According to him, the arrests were designed to keep Accord leaders away from their families, communities and campaign activities during the critical period of the election.

“The APC is desperate in Ijesaland. And rather than face the people in a free, fair and competitive election, there is a growing concern that these rejected political actors may be seeking to weaken the Accord Party’s structures by removing its leaders from the field,” he added.

The Campaign Council, however, called on the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Tunde Disu, to urgently intervene and investigate the Osun State Police Command under CP Ibrahim Gotan.

Olajengbesi demanded to know the basis for Adejoorin’s arrest, the alleged offence, the evidence against him, and why the police appeared increasingly willing to deploy their powers only against Accord political leaders at this critical moment.

“We demand the immediate release of Hon. Mayowa Adejoorin, as we believe there is no lawful and credible basis for his abduction and detention,” he said.

The party also urged INEC, civil society organisations and election observers to monitor developments in Ijesaland closely, warning that the arrests may be “connected to an attempt to create an environment conducive to electoral manipulation” ahead of the poll.

“The Nigeria Police Force belongs to the Nigerian people. It does not belong to the APC. It does not belong to Accord.

“Its duty is to protect the law and guarantee the safety of every citizen, regardless of political affiliation,” Olajengbesi stated.

He warned that “You may arrest our leaders. But you cannot arrest the will of the people,” and urged residents of Ijesaland not to be afraid. (Nigerian Tribune)

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