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Osun Govt Warns Police Against Political Pressure Over Lameco Banditry Suspect
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Osun Govt Warns Police Against Political Pressure Over Lameco Banditry Suspect
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
The Osun State Government has cautioned the state Police Command against yielding to alleged political pressure in the handling of a suspected bandit linked to criminal activities in Lameco, warning against any attempt to justify the suspect’s release on unsubstantiated psychiatric grounds.
The position of the government was contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, on Monday.
The government was reacting to recent developments surrounding the case, including allegations by a civil society organisation, the Public Safety Accountability Group, which accused some prominent members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State of mounting pressure on the police to release the suspect on medical grounds.
According to the group, some APC chieftains had allegedly been visiting police stations and making efforts to secure the suspect’s release.
The group described the move as “a ploy to cover up a major breakthrough in the dismantling of a criminal gang.”
In response to the allegations, the police reportedly confirmed that the suspect was undergoing psychiatric evaluation and stated that an herbalist had treated him for mental illness over the past 10 years.
However, the police statement did not address claims that some APC leaders were allegedly involved in efforts to secure the suspect’s release.
Reacting to the development, the state government warned against the manipulation of law enforcement agencies for partisan purposes and urged the police command to remain focused on its responsibility of safeguarding public security.
“The state police command should be wary of actions and activities that may embolden criminals at this delicate period,” the statement said.
The government also demanded answers from the police over what it described as a suspicious attempt to release a high profile banditry suspect.
It asked.
“Where is the medical report on the reported psychiatric condition of the suspect?
“Who is the herbalist and where is his statement confirming that he has been treating the suspect for the last 10 years?
“Is it true that APC chieftains have visited and sent emissaries to the police to secure the release of the suspect?”
The government further queried the police over its handling of the matter, asking why the command had remained silent on the suspect until concerns were raised by the civil society group.
“Why was the police silent on the Lameco suspect until the civil society group raised eyebrows on the subject?” the statement queried.
The state government said it had drawn the attention of the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to the development and urged the Osun State Commissioner of Police to ensure that the matter is not politicised.
It stressed that security related issues should be handled professionally and transparently in the interest of public safety.
