Police Arrest Three Over Alleged Plot to Kill Osun APC Campaign DG

The Osun State Police Command says it has arrested three suspects over an alleged assassination attempt on Hon. Wole Oke, the Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship campaign, following a political meeting in Ipetu-Ijesa.

Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan disclosed the arrests while briefing journalists, saying investigations are ongoing and assuring that everyone found culpable would be prosecuted.

The suspects are identified as Olamilekan Oriyomi 24, Ayotunde Ikupolati Ojo 44 and Fakinleye Femi 31.

According to the police, the incident occurred on Tuesday, June 30, after Hon. Oke and members of his political entourage paid a courtesy visit to the Ajalaye of Ipetu-Ijesa, Oba (Dr.) Agunbiade Oke, before proceeding to the town hall for a meeting with party supporters.

CP Gotan said that shortly after the meeting ended, a group of individuals suspected to be political thugs and members of the Eiye confraternity allegedly blocked the convoy as it attempted to leave the venue.

The police commissioner alleged that Oriyomi produced a Beretta pistol loaded with four rounds of live ammunition and attempted to shoot the APC campaign director-general.

He said the attempt was foiled after the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) on security duty noticed the suspect, quickly overpowered him and recovered the firearm before any shots were fired.

"The situation caused panic, but our officers acted swiftly, subdued the suspect and recovered the pistol with four rounds of live ammunition. Other suspects fled the scene," Gotan said.

He said intelligence-led operations carried out by operatives of the command's Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) led to the arrest of two additional suspects on July 1 in Ipetu-Ijesa.

According to the commissioner, Oriyomi allegedly confessed during interrogation that he obtained the firearm from one Busuyi Akinwole Ikupolati, popularly known as "Omo-Akin," who remains at large.

He added that the suspect's statement also implicated other influential individuals who are currently under investigation.

The police commissioner said efforts are underway to arrest the remaining suspects and recover any additional weapons connected to the case.

Meanwhile, CP Gotan also addressed complaints of alleged extortion by police officers at night checkpoints across the state.

He warned Divisional Police Officers supervising roadblocks to closely monitor their personnel and ensure they operate professionally and within the law.

The commissioner said the command had received reports that some officers were deliberately narrowing dual carriageways into single lanes at night to stop motorists and allegedly extort money from them.

He warned that any officer found engaging in misconduct or extortion would face disciplinary action, stressing that roadblocks must serve security purposes rather than become avenues for harassment of residents.

The Osun State Police Command reiterated its commitment to maintaining public safety, tackling political violence and ensuring professionalism among its personnel.