The Alaapa of Ita-Apa, Oba Alexander Kujembola, has voiced strong opposition to the continued detention of three of his high chiefs and two community residents at the Ilesa Correctional Centre on alleged murder charges.
Oba Kujembola, currently in the United States of America for medical treatment, expressed deep concern over the arrests made by personnel of the Osun State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun.
Monarch Claims Chiefs Were Fighting Cultism
The traditional ruler insisted that the arrests were unjustified, stating that the chiefs were legitimately engaged in anti-cultism efforts within his domain. According to him, all attempts to secure bail for the detained chiefs have proven unsuccessful.
"The arrests of the chiefs who were combating cultism is unjust. We have tried to bail the chiefs but have been unsuccessful. We perceive there is political interference in the matter," the monarch stated.
Oba Kujembola further alleged that deadly cult groups have been attacking his community, and those arrested by Amotekun were volunteer members of the local security watch working to prevent the return of previously dislodged criminals from the Ita-Apa community.
"We call on the government not to politicize the security of the people of Ita-Apa," he appealed.
Amotekun Denies Arresting Chiefs
In response to these allegations, the Osun Amotekun Corps has categorically denied arresting any community chiefs. The security agency described the reports as "false, baseless and designed to undermine its integrity and professionalism."
Osun Amotekun Corps Commander, Isaac Omoyele, explained that the suspects were arrested following a distress call about unidentified armed individuals in camouflage uniforms moving suspiciously around the town with sophisticated weapons.
"I don't know why people are putting undue political interference when we are doing our job. He has confessed to the crime. He said he procured the ammunition from an armoury which we are investigating. It is not political but criminal," Omoyele stated.
The commander further revealed that exhibits recovered from the suspects included a pump action rifle and criminal charms. He added that the suspects had mentioned some names during interrogation, but there was nothing to indicate they were chiefs.
"The suspects in question mentioned some names. I don't know whether they are chiefs since there was nothing to show that they are chiefs. They are not chiefs but suspects in this case," he clarified.
Omoyele emphasized that the security agency was following due process in its investigation. "In a case of this nature, you cannot hurriedly release such a suspect. Whatever we are doing is under the purview of the law. We have applied for a court order and that is the proper thing to do," he added.
BenriNews had previously reported that Amotekun Corps in Osun State arrested suspects in relation to kidnapping and murder in Atakunmosa East local government area of the state.
The case highlights growing tensions between traditional institutions and security agencies in the state, as both sides present conflicting narratives about the identities of those detained and the circumstances surrounding their arrest.
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