Osun's Adeleke to IG: No Sacred Cows, Arrest Even My Son for Crime

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has publicly stated his unwavering commitment against criminal acts, instructing security agencies to apprehend anyone found culpable, including members of his immediate family. Governor Adeleke made this declaration on Friday during a courtesy visit by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, to the Government House in Osogbo, the state capital.

The governor's strong stance came in response to allegations raised by IGP Disu. The IGP had indicated that the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, had informed him that certain individuals suspected of criminal activities were purportedly seeking refuge within the Government House premises. Governor Adeleke vehemently refuted any claims of shielding criminals, urging the police to proceed with the arrest of anyone proven to have committed an offence.

Emphasizing his position, Adeleke stated, “If you see any of my people that committed a crime, arrest them. If it is my son who committed a crime, arrest him, let him learn his lesson, and that is what I am saying in front of the IGP.”

However, the governor also voiced concerns regarding the conduct of some police officers, accusing them of engaging in “games” while carrying out their duties. He specifically cited an incident involving the alleged transfer of an officer who had successfully apprehended a suspect linked to the murder of a 14-year-old boy in Ilobu.

Adeleke remarked, “But for you to be playing all these games and everything like that, the person that they killed, a 14-year-old boy in Ilobu, because the police officer did a good job under the directive of the Inspector General of Police and arrested the suspect that killed the boy, you transferred the officer.”

Concluding his address, Governor Adeleke commended the IGP for his commitment to addressing indiscipline within the Nigeria Police Force. He further implored all officers to uphold professionalism and impartiality in their operations. “I am glad the Inspector General of Police is here today, and he has said it openly that he will not tolerate any act of indiscipline, and he has given you a warning that you will not tolerate crime. That is why I am happy,” Adeleke said. He added, “If you change tomorrow, I will continue to cooperate with the police. Police is our friend. We are not fighting the police, but you have to do right.”