Police confirm 30 alleged politically motivated killings ahead of Osun governorship poll

The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed 30 cases of alleged politically motivated killings ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.

 

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, disclosed this on Tuesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, saying some suspects had been arrested, while others had been arraigned in court.

 

According to him, preliminary investigations suggest that politicians may be linked to some of the killings.

 

“From the complaints received, we cannot rule out the involvement of some politicians in the killings,” he said.

 

Iniedu, however, declined to disclose details of the cases or identify the suspects, noting that doing so could prejudice ongoing investigations and court proceedings.

 

He assured Nigerians that further information would be made available after investigations are concluded and the cases before the courts are determined.

 

Responding to allegations of police complicity in the political crisis, Iniedu dismissed claims that the force was shielding suspects, insisting that the police would not cover up criminal activities.

 

“It is logical that when an election is coming up, there will be accusatory fingers pointed by the gladiators, particularly against the police.

 

“But I can assure you that the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has given a marching order that any suspected criminal must be tracked, arrested and prosecuted,” he said.

 

The police spokesperson recalled that the Inspector-General of Police recently visited Osogbo to address rising political tension and pre-election violence in the state.

 

According to him, the IGP met with Governor Ademola Adeleke, opposition leaders and other stakeholders, warning against political violence and thuggery.

 

“When we were in Osogbo, the IGP met with every stakeholder. The governor and the opposition made accusations and counter-accusations.

 

“The posture of the IGP is that we will not tolerate any form of breakdown of law and order.

 

“The IGP also warned parents to caution their children and wards to shun violence and desist from being used as tools to settle political scores,” Iniedu said.

 

On allegations of partisanship against the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, Iniedu said the IGP had met with the commissioner and issued clear directives, stressing that he would not tolerate accusations capable of undermining the integrity of the force.

 

He added that the police had strengthened security arrangements in the state through the deployment of specialised tactical units, drones and helicopters, while improving intelligence gathering in collaboration with other security agencies.

 

Iniedu also disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force currently has more than 400,000 active personnel nationwide.