OSOGBO — The spokesperson for the Accord Party Governorship Campaign Council in Osun State, Pelumi Olajengbesi, has raised alarm over the detention of party chieftain Popoola Alaba, revealing that investigating police officers cited direct orders from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to hold him indefinitely.
Speaking on the circumstances surrounding the arrest, Olajengbesi stated that a legal and campaign delegation met with the investigating team handling the case, only to discover that no formal petition had been lodged against Alaba and no incriminating items were found in his possession during his arrest.
Key Declarations by Campaign Spokesman
Addressing newsmen regarding the developments, Pelumi Olajengbesi condemned the detention as political intimidation aimed at suppressing opposition voices ahead of key electoral processes in Osun State:
“We met with the officers in charge of the investigation against Popoola Alaba, and they said there is no petition against him, nothing was found on him, and it’s unfortunate that the instruction is from the IGP. This is the sad experience we have in Osun State.”
— Pelumi Olajengbesi, Spokesman, Accord Party Governorship Campaign Council
Campaign Council Demands Immediate Release
The Accord Party Campaign Council emphasized that holding political actors without formal charges or petitioning complaints undermines the rule of law and damages public trust in security agencies ahead of the polls:
- Absence of Petition: Campaign representatives confirmed that investigating officers admitted there was no written complaint or criminal allegation on file justifying the arrest.
- No Incriminating Evidence: A search conducted on Alaba yielded no illegal items, arms, or prohibited materials.
- Executive Interference Concerns: The campaign council urged the Inspector-General of Police to intervene directly, order a review of the detention order, and ensure police officers maintain strict neutrality throughout the Osun political cycle.
Detention Overview Matrix
DETAINED PARTY OFFICIAL: Popoola Alaba (Accord Party Chieftain)
SPOKESMAN STATEMENT: Pelumi Olajengbesi (Accord Party Campaign Council)
LEGAL STATUS: Detained without formal petition or incriminating evidence
CITED AUTHORITY: Reported verbal directive from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP)
CAMPAIGN DEMAND: Immediate release and unconditional cessation of political harassment
