Osun Police Demand Proof From Speaker Over Alleged ‘Shoot-on-Sight’ Directive

The Osun State Police Command has strongly refuted claims made by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Honourable Adewale Olumide Egbedun, regarding an alleged “shoot-on-sight” directive purportedly issued to police officers in the state. The Command has now challenged Speaker Egbedun to substantiate his allegations by providing concrete evidence of such an order.

Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, firmly stated that no police officer under the Commissioner’s authority was instructed to open fire on individuals found within Local Government Council premises. The Command described the accusation as false and malicious, asserting that it is capable of undermining the reputation of the Nigeria Police Force and discrediting the commendable work performed by its personnel, particularly during the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

CP Gotan himself was quoted directly, saying, “There was no such order and no such directive was given to any policeman to shoot at sight.” The Police Command, therefore, urged the Speaker or any individual propagating the allegation to present the supposed order or any form of evidence confirming its issuance. DSP Ojelabi further emphasized that this controversy would not divert the Command from its constitutional responsibilities, which include safeguarding lives and property, maintaining law and order, and ensuring the overall safety of residents across Osun State.

This dispute emerged following a statement from Speaker Egbedun, where he expressed profound concern over reports suggesting that the Commissioner of Police had mandated a “shoot-on-sight” policy for persons within Local Government Council facilities. The Speaker had previously described such an alleged directive, if proven true, as unacceptable in a democratic society. He had also called upon the Inspector-General of Police to initiate an investigation into the matter and clarify the operational orders issued to various police formations within Osun State. However, the police consistently denied the existence of any such instruction, viewing the claim as a deliberate attempt to portray the Force in a negative light. The Command further highlighted the professionalism, discipline, and restraint demonstrated by its personnel before, during, and after the governorship election, which they credited with contributing to the peaceful atmosphere recorded across the state.