Osun PDP Presses IG for Thorough Inquiry into Teenager's Killing

The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly advocated for a comprehensive, transparent, and unbiased investigation into the tragic death of Ezekiel Olapade, a young man reportedly shot dead in Ilobu by individuals believed to be political thugs. On Friday, the party also appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to personally supervise the inquiry into this killing to ensure that justice is served.

These demands were articulated in a statement issued from Osogbo, Osun State, bearing the signature of the PDP state chairman, Sunday Bisi. Expressing deep concern over the incident, Bisi stressed the importance of thoroughly investigating and prosecuting every person implicated in the crime, regardless of their political ties or societal standing.

Bisi further alleged that police operatives had raided the residence of the PDP chairman in Irepodun Local Government Area on the night of June 29, noting that the party chieftain had not received any prior invitation from the police. During this operation, he claimed, the party official's possessions were extensively damaged by the raiding officers. The PDP chairman described this development as unsettling, suggesting it could create the impression that the investigation is being deliberately diverted from actual suspects towards political adversaries.

“Accordingly, we call on the Inspector-General of Police, the Police Service Commission, the National Human Rights Commission and other relevant institutions to closely monitor this investigation and ensure that it is conducted fairly, professionally and without political interference,” the statement read.

Specifically, the PDP chairman demanded:

* A comprehensive, transparent, and impartial investigation into Ezekiel Olapade's murder.

* An inquiry into reported threats allegedly made against Amotekun personnel before the attack.

* An investigation and questioning of the alleged owners of the vehicle purportedly used by the suspected political thugs and murderers.

* An explanation from the Osun State Police Command regarding the reported operation at the residence of the PDP chairman in Irepodun Local Government.

* An assurance that law enforcement agencies will maintain political neutrality and uphold the rule of law.

Bisi affirmed that the PDP would continue to support the family of the late Olapade in their quest for justice and would resist any attempts to politicize or compromise the ongoing investigation. Efforts to get a reaction from the Osun State Police Command spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, proved unsuccessful, as calls to his mobile phone went unanswered, and WhatsApp messages sent to him had not been replied to at the time of this report.

Meanwhile, The PUNCH newspaper reported that Kareem Saheed, widely known as Tanfeani, who is accused of leading suspected hoodlums to the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat in Ilobu on the day Ezekiel Olapade was fatally shot, has been paraded by the Osun State Police Command. Saheed was paraded alongside 23 other individuals arrested for various offenses, including membership of an unlawful group and thuggery, at the command headquarters in Osogbo by the state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan.

Gbenga Olapade, the 14-year-old deceased's father, informed journalists that Tanfeani led a gang that attacked his wife’s palm wine bar, situated opposite the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat, on Sunday, June 21. Olapade explained that Ezekiel was struck by gunshots fired by the hoodlums, allegedly led by Tanfeani, who were positioned at the secretariat entrance when they reportedly aimed at a man wearing a yellow cap inside the bar.

However, while speaking to journalists, Tanfeani denied any involvement in the killing, attributing his predicament to members of the Accord Party in Irepodun. He stated, “I am an Executive Assistant to the Chairman of Irepodun Local Government. I did not even go to the area where the deceased was killed on the day the incident happened. I was in our party office in Ilobu. Accord Party people are telling lies against me. The video where I was recorded carrying a gun was recorded on Friday, June 19. Some Accord Party hoodlums attacked us within the premises of the Irepodun Local Government, and I managed to retrieve the gun they brought to attack us. That was what I was carrying in the video. I am being victimised because I belong to the APC.”