By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo
Residents of Itaapa community in Atakumosa-East Local Government Area of Osun State on Wednesday staged a protest at the Amotekun Corps headquarters in Osogbo, accusing the security outfit of arbitrary arrests and unlawful detention of their community leaders.
The protesters, who carried placards with inscriptions such as “Amotekun De-robed Our Chiefs”, “Osun Amotekun Has Become a Political Tool”, and “Amotekun Supporting Criminals”, appealed to the Inspector General of Police to intervene and investigate what they described as a troubling situation.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Chief Olusegun Owoeye alleged that the community had become deserted due to widespread arrests by Amotekun operatives. He claimed that individuals previously identified by police as suspects in criminal cases were now using political influence to target innocent community members through Amotekun.
“It’s disheartening that Amotekun appears to be acting on behalf of those who have long terrorised our community. The same individuals, including one Bode Itaapa currently in police custody, are now using political channels to label innocent residents as criminals,” Owoeye said.
According to him, after a series of attacks in the area, police advised the formation of a local vigilante group for community protection. However, members of this vigilante group are now allegedly being arrested, with ten community leaders reportedly detained for over five days.
The protesters called for their immediate release and urged the Inspector General of Police to order a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
In response, Osun Amotekun Corps Commandant, Brigadier General Adekunle Omoyele (rtd), defended the corps’ actions, stating that those arrested were under investigation for alleged criminal activities.
“We followed due process in all arrests. Some of the suspects were found in possession of a pump-action rifle and claimed to be vigilante members. Others were picked up based on leads obtained during interrogation,” Omoyele explained.
He dismissed claims of political bias, adding, “This is strictly a security matter. We will conduct a thorough investigation and ensure justice is served.”
