Police Confirm 30 Cases of Politically Motivated Killings in Osun

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has confirmed 30 cases of alleged politically motivated killings ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, disclosed this on Tuesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Brief programme.

According to him, the police have made several arrests in connection with the killings, with some suspects already paraded and others charged to court.

Iniedu said investigations suggest that politicians may have played a role in some of the killings.

“From the complaints received, we cannot rule out the involvement of some politicians in the killings,” he said.

However, he declined to disclose details of the cases, identities of the suspects or their alleged accomplices, noting that doing so could amount to sub judice and trial by media.

He assured Nigerians that comprehensive details would be made public after investigations are concluded and the court processes are completed.

Responding to allegations of police complicity in the political crisis, Iniedu dismissed claims that the Force was shielding suspects or involved in any cover-up.

He said the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has directed officers to ensure that anyone found culpable is arrested and prosecuted, regardless of political affiliation.

“It is expected that as elections approach, political actors will make accusations against one another, including the police. But I can assure Nigerians that the Inspector-General has given clear instructions that every suspected criminal must be tracked, arrested and prosecuted,” he said.

The police spokesperson recalled that the IGP recently visited Osogbo to address rising political tension and pre-election violence in the state.

During the visit, the IGP met with Governor Ademola Adeleke and other political stakeholders, urging them to avoid violence and maintain peace before, during and after the election.

According to Iniedu, the IGP also advised parents to caution their children and wards against being used as political thugs.

Addressing allegations of partisanship against the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, Iniedu said the IGP had met with the commissioner and made it clear that he would not tolerate any conduct capable of undermining public confidence in the police.

He added that the IGP’s intervention has already begun yielding positive results.

To strengthen security ahead of the election, the police have deployed specialised tactical units, drones, helicopters and enhanced intelligence assets to Osun State in collaboration with other security agencies.

Iniedu also disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force currently has more than 400,000 active personnel across the country.