Osun Police React As Group Alleges APC Chieftains Sought Kidnapping Suspect’s Release

The Osun State Police Command has reacted to allegations that some chieftains of the All Progressives Congress in the state are mounting pressure for the release of a suspected kidnapper arrested around Lameco area on June 03, saying the suspect was referred for psychiatric evaluation after exhibiting signs of mental instability.

The Command’s reaction follows a statement by the Public Safety Accountability Group, which accused some APC chieftains of visiting the police command to secure the suspect’s release.

The group, in a statement signed by its Director, Comrade Adekola Adesoji, alleged that the APC chieftains visited the police command “separately and even jointly” in the last few days to request the suspect’s release on grounds that he was allegedly a “mad man,” a request it claimed the police resisted.

“What is their interest in an alleged kidnapper? Why are they putting up an alibi that the suspect is a madman? What is the interest of these politicians in a purely criminal case?” Adesoji queried.

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“We are therefore worried that some politicians are seeking the release of the suspect. We call on the police not to yield to pressure. The suspect should be appropriately drilled to disclose names of those who recruited him,” he said.

But the Police, in a statement by its spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the suspect, identified as Adebayo Sunday (38), exhibited signs of mental instability after he was arrested and referred to a psychiatric hospital for further medical evaluation.

“Preliminary investigation led to the recovery of some items, including a knife, an army camouflage trouser, local charms, and clothing materials. During the course of investigation, the suspect exhibited signs of mental instability. Consequently, the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a more thorough and discreet investigation,” the statement read.

“Family members later confirmed his identity, while a native doctor told detectives he had treated the suspect for a mental-related condition over ten years ago.

“The suspect was thereafter taken to the Police Clinic, where he was referred to a psychiatric hospital for further medical evaluation and treatment,” DSP Ojelabi stated.

The statement added that, “The Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property and will continue to respond professionally to all security concerns across the state.”

Efforts to get the reaction of the All Progressives Congress in the state proved abortive at the time of filing this report.