Crisis In Akure As Police Battle With Amotekun Operatives Over Criminal Suspect













Crisis In Akure As Police Battle With Amotekun Operatives Over Theft Suspect

By Editor 



There was pandemonium on Sunday in Akure, capital of Ondo State, South-West Nigeria, following a confrontation between the police and operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun), over custody of a suspected motorcycle thief.

The tension reportedly led to panic as residents of the Ijoka area affected scampered for safety, following sporadic shooting of gun and teargas canisters.

According to a statement released by the Ondo State Police Command Spokesman, Ayanlade Olusola, officers from the Ijoka Divisional Headquarters responded to a report of theft at a church near Sunday Bus Stop.

Upon arrival, they apprehended the suspect and recovered the stolen items.

While executing their duties, Amotekun operatives arrived at the scene, accompanied by a group of commercial motorcyclists. The Amotekun personnel allegedly took the suspect and exhibits by force, injuring a police officer in the process.

The situation escalated when the confrontation moved to the ShopRite roundabout near the Amotekun headquarters, where roads were barricaded. Amotekun operatives reportedly fired shots into the air, prompting the police to deploy tear gas to disperse the crowd and prevent further disorder.

Read full text of Olusola’s statement:
“At about 0800hrs, a report was received at the Ijoka Divisional Police Headquarters regarding the arrest of a suspect alleged to have been involved in the theft of property from a church located around Sunday Bus Stop. 

"Acting promptly on the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) detailed two police officers along with the incident duty officer to proceed to the scene, recover the suspect, and secure exhibits linked to the crime,” the statement read.

“It is important to note that the police officers were the first to arrive at the scene. However, while executing their lawful duties, operatives of the Amotekun Corps arrived in the company of a large group of commercial motorcyclists (okada riders). 

"In a disorderly and commando-like manner, the Amotekun personnel and accompanying individuals forcefully took custody of the suspect and the exhibits, in the process injuring a police officer.

“Following this, the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, psc+, mnips, immediately directed tactical commanders to recover both the suspect and the exhibits.

“Subsequently, after intervention and dialogue led by the commanders of both agencies, the suspect and exhibits were returned to the police in the spirit of inter-agency cooperation.

“However, it must be stated that while the matter was being amicably resolved, a few aggrieved members of the Amotekun Corps, unhappy with the release of the suspect, began firing sporadically into the air.

“To prevent a breakdown of law and order and to disperse the agitated crowd without harm, the police officers at the scene responded with the professional use of tear gas. No exchange of gunfire occurred between the two agencies.”

The Ondo State Police Command emphasized the importance of inter-agency cooperation and adherence to legal protocols. They assured the public of their commitment to maintaining peace and order in the state.

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