The Osun State Police Command has clarified that the arrest of Accord Party House of Representatives candidate for Ijesa South Federal Constituency, Hon. Popoola Alaba, popularly known as "Alabama," was based on a petition alleging illegal mining and other related offences, dismissing claims that the action was politically motivated.
Speaking on the matter, the Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said Alaba's arrest followed a petition dated July 4 addressed to the Inspector General of Police.
According to Ojelabi, the petition was subsequently referred to the Osun State Police Command for investigation, prompting a joint operation involving police personnel from the Force Headquarters in Abuja and operatives of the Osun Command.
He further disclosed that four individuals arrested alongside Alaba allegedly attacked police officers in an attempt to prevent his arrest and also vandalised a police patrol vehicle during the incident.
"He was arrested due to a petition written against him dated July 4. The petition was written to the Inspector General of Police, and it was sent to the command. A team from Abuja was joined by our operatives from the command. Four people arrested with Alaba attacked our operatives while trying to free the suspect. They also damaged a police vehicle," Ojelabi stated.
Meanwhile, the Media Adviser to Senator Francis Fadahunsi, Sam Segun-Progress, has rejected attempts to link the Osun East senator to the case.
Responding to allegations made against the lawmaker, Segun-Progress described them as baseless, reckless and unsupported by any credible evidence.
He maintained that Senator Fadahunsi had no connection whatsoever with the circumstances surrounding Alaba's arrest and should not be dragged into a matter that is entirely unrelated to him.
"We consider the statement to be unfortunate, reckless and completely devoid of credible evidence. For the avoidance of doubt, Senator Francis Fadahunsi has absolutely nothing to do with the allegations contained in the statement," he said.
The senator's aide further argued that efforts to associate Fadahunsi with the incident without verifiable proof amounted to an irresponsible attempt to damage the reputation of a public servant with a longstanding record of service.
The police have maintained that the investigation into the allegations against Popoola Alaba is ongoing.
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