Osun State Amotekun Corps says it handed over four of its operatives to the police in the state to assist in the investigation into the recent murder of Olalekan Oyeyemi, also known as ‘Emir,’ at a motor park in Ile-Ife.
Amotekun, in a statement on Monday by its spokesperson, Yusuf Idowu, explained that the clarification followed a report circulated on social media purporting that the police had arrested some of its operatives in connection with Emir’s death.
Recall that the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, recently ordered an investigation into the killing of Oyeyemi, a chieftain of the Accord Party, during a clash at Mayfair motor park in Ile-Ife on Sunday, September 13.
Oyeyemi was reportedly preparing for appointment as the Chairman of the Park Management System, a body meant to replace the National Union of Road Transport Workers in the running of public motor parks in the state, by the government when he was attacked and killed.
However, Amotekun’s statement clarifying the issue, said, “For the avoidance of doubt, the police did not arrest the Amotekun operatives in question.
“Rather, the Corps Commander of the Osun State Amotekun Corps, Adekunle Isaac Omoyele, in the interest of transparency, accountability and a thorough investigation, personally handed over four operatives attached to NURTW chieftain Alowonle Nurudeen to the Osun State Police Command.
“The decision was taken to enable the police to conduct their investigation and unravel the circumstances surrounding the attacks in Ile-Ife. The operatives were, therefore, made available to the appropriate security authority as part of the investigative process.
“It is important that members of the public and media practitioners distinguish between being arrested and being voluntarily handed over for investigation. The circumstances surrounding the four operatives should not be misrepresented or sensationalised before the conclusion of the police investigation.”
It expressed commitment to professionalism, discipline, accountability and cooperation with other security agencies.
Amotekun asssured that it would not condone indiscipline or any conduct capable of undermining public confidence in ensuring the security of lives and property across Osun State.
