The Osun State Police Command has dismissed allegations made by the Osun State chapter of the Accord Party accusing the police of providing protection for certain political interests, insisting that its operations remain professional, impartial, and guided strictly by the rule of law.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, the Command said it deemed it necessary to respond to the Accord Party's statement on the security situation in the state and reassure residents of its commitment to maintaining peace and security.
The Command stated that while it respects the constitutional right of individuals and political parties to express opinions on matters of public interest, it "unequivocally rejects" claims that it is protecting any individual, group, or political party.
According to the statement, the Nigeria Police Force is a non-partisan institution established to protect lives and property, preserve public order, and enforce the law without fear or favour.
"The Command has never condoned, encouraged, or shielded criminal elements irrespective of their political, ethnic, religious, or social affiliations," the statement read.
The Police further explained that its security operations are intelligence-driven and evidence-based, stressing that arrests are not made based on media reports, political statements, social media allegations, or public sentiment, but on credible evidence capable of supporting lawful prosecution.
The Command appealed to political parties, stakeholders, community leaders, and residents to avoid inflammatory statements and instead channel grievances through lawful and established mechanisms, noting that security is a collective responsibility.
Responding to allegations of selective arrests and harassment of transport union members, the Police described the claims as misleading and unfounded. It maintained that every arrest is based on reasonable suspicion of involvement in criminal activities and carried out in accordance with the law.
The statement also disclosed that some of the arrested suspects confessed to plans to procure arms and ammunition to perpetrate further violence, adding that political affiliation or union membership neither guarantees immunity from investigation nor serves as a basis for arrest.
The Police Command said several suspects linked to breaches of public peace across the state have been arrested, investigated, and charged to court where sufficient evidence exists, while investigations into other reported incidents are ongoing.
It reiterated that no individual is above the law and that no suspect enjoys immunity from lawful investigation or prosecution.
Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan assured residents that the Command remains focused on its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property and would not be distracted by what it described as unfounded allegations or attempts to politicise law enforcement.
The Command urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information to aid crime prevention and the arrest of offenders.
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