The Osun State Police Command has announced the arrest of Wakili-Nurudeen Iyanda, also known as ‘Alowonle,’ the head of the Osun State Park Management System (OSTMS), over allegations of possessing police arms and ammunition.
Deputy Police Spokesperson Emmanuel Giwa-Alade confirmed the arrest, stating that detectives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit apprehended nine suspects, including Alowonle, after receiving a tip-off about a planned attack.
“Despite resistance, the police successfully subdued them, recovering a Barrett pistol, six 9mm live rounds of ammunition, and an expanded empty cell from Wakili’s unregistered Toyota Highlander,” Giwa-Alade said.
The nine suspects were arrested following a confrontation with Alowonle’s group, during which four suspects managed to escape. Giwa-Alade added that Alowonle was later rearrested, and the following items were seized from his vehicle: a Beretta pistol, six 9mm live rounds of ammunition, and an expanded empty cell. Other recovered items included a Hummer bus, a Nissan Almera, and a Toyota Sienna.
The deputy spokesperson also noted that Alowonle attempted to flee while handcuffed, resulting in an injury before he was rearrested. He is currently receiving medical treatment at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital.
Mikaela Popoola, the secretary of OSTMS, alleged that Alowonle was shot while in police custody. Popoola claimed that the arrest was related to a domestic matter and that Alowonle’s shooting while in custody demands a thorough investigation.
“Our chairman was shot while in police custody under circumstances that demand a thorough investigation,” Popoola said. She also urged members to remain calm and refrain from taking matters into their own hands....Read Full Article [Click Here>]
The Osun Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, condemned the alleged attempted murder of Alowonle. The state government has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Moses Lohor, head of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad.
“Alowonle is presently on life support in the Intensive Care Unit at the Osun State Teaching Hospital,” the statement said.
Video footage from Alowonle’s hospital bed dispelled any claims that he was attempting to escape, as it showed him handcuffed and under interrogation. “The fact that he was shot in the abdomen as shown in the video confirms that he was shot at close range with the intent to eliminate him,” Alimi added.
Alimi further noted that interactions between Samuel Ojo and Lohor indicated that the shooting was premeditated. He emphasized that the issue leading to Alowonle’s arrest was a civil matter, not a criminal one, and accused Lohor of police harassment motivated by partisan interests.
The state government has also called upon Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, and Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police, to ensure impartiality in the investigation and maintain peace in Osun State.
