Police in Oyo have explained why officers from the Kwara State Police Command attempted to arrest Abdulazeez Adegbola, popularly known as Tani Olohun, in Ibadan on Tuesday.
The Oyo command said the officers were in Ibadan on official duty to arrest Tani Olohun following a warrant issued by the Upper Ilorin Magistrates’ Court in Kwara State over allegations bordering on conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.
Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
The statement said the warrant was issued after Tani Olohun allegedly failed to honour the conditions of bail earlier granted to him, prompting the court to order his arrest.
On Tuesday, police operatives attempting to arrest Tani Olohun were confronted and engaged in a scuffle with some residents. The intervention of the Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, eventually stopped Tani Olohun’s arrest.
Viral videos on social media showed some police officers attempting to take the traditional religion adherent away.
One of the officers was seen showing his identity card to residents who questioned the operation.
Following the incident, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police directed the officers to return to their base and advised the complainant to approach the appropriate court in Ibadan, being the alleged location of the offence, in line with due process and the principle of territorial jurisdiction.
According to the statement, “The Command wishes to clarify that the officers were acting pursuant to a warrant of arrest issued by the Upper Ilorin Magistrates’ Court, Ilorin, in connection with allegations bordering on conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace. The warrant was reportedly issued following the failure of the said Tani Olohun to honour the conditions of bail earlier granted to him, thereby prompting the court to order his arrest.
“Upon receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, directed the officers to return back to their base and advise the complainant to approach the appropriate court in Ibadan, being the alleged place where the offence was committed, in accordance with due process and the principles of territorial jurisdiction.
“The Oyo State Police Command therefore urges members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding and to refrain from actions capable of disturbing the peace or escalating the situation.
“The Command remains committed to upholding the rule of law, protecting lives and property, and ensuring that all complaints are handled professionally and in accordance with extant laws.”
