The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has leveled serious accusations against the Amotekun Corps, claiming the security outfit has transformed into a political instrument of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government.
During a press conference addressing alleged extrajudicial activities against its members, the APC accused Governor Ademola Adeleke's administration of weaponizing the security agency to "oppress, suppress and victimise" opposition members across the state.
Allegations of Political Targeting
Kola Olabisi, Osun APC Director of Media and Information, claimed the Adeleke administration is using Amotekun as a front to arm PDP political thugs with instructions to terrorize opposition members and supporters.
"Information has it that the leadership of the PDP in the state specifically sent words to the leaderships of the ruling party in all the local government council areas to forward the names of hardened political thugs in their constituencies with a view to recruiting them for political terrorism against the opposition," Olabisi stated.
The APC specifically pointed fingers at Amotekun Field Commander Adekunle Omoyele, a retired Chief Superintendent of Police who once served as Governor Adeleke's Chief Security Officer. The party alleged Omoyele has "a history of human rights violation" and was previously "indicted and recommended for prosecution and demotion."
Specific Incidents and Concerns
The opposition party cited the arrest of community chiefs who were initially granted administrative bail but later re-arrested. They also expressed concern that Amotekun is "criminalising community leaders because of politics," which they warn could worsen security in affected areas.
According to the APC, leaders of Itaapa community had organized a local security group in consultation with the area's Divisional Police Officer to protect residents, before facing targeting by Amotekun.
The party listed numerous alleged improprieties by the security outfit, including:
- Recruitment of thugs, cultists, and dismissed police officers
- Usurpation of police constitutional roles through unlawful arrests and detentions
- Economic sabotage through interception and extortion of food transporters
- Illegal interference in marital issues
- Undermining other security agencies
- Illegal arrests and extortion of gold miners
Calls for Federal Intervention
Former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Adebayo Adeleke, called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene, stating that the APC has "lost confidence in the Osun Amotekun."
The party also appealed to the Inspector-General of Police and the National Security Adviser to "urgently come to the aid of the oppressed inhabitants of Osun State who are being traumatised by the illegal activities of the Osun State Security Network Agency and Amotekun Corps."
Amotekun's Response
In response, Amotekun Corps Commander Isaac Omoyele firmly denied the allegations, insisting the agency's actions were legitimate law enforcement operations rather than political persecution.
"There is nothing like witch-hunting. A notorious criminal with pump action and army camouflage was arrested," Omoyele stated. "I don't know why people are putting undue political interference when we are doing our job. He has confessed to the crime."
Regarding bribery allegations, Omoyele challenged accusers to provide evidence, saying, "N5 million is not chicken change. I don't think that allegation is sustainable."
BenriNews gathered that Amotekun recently paraded five suspects from Itapa in Atakunmosa East local government area, reportedly recovering a pump action gun and criminal charms during the operation. The security agency maintains these were legitimate arrests based on reports of suspicious armed individuals in the area.
