Man Writes Osun Police, Accuses Officers Of Arresting, Extorting Students, Residents In Ile-Ife
An indigene of Osun State, Oluseyi Olaoye, has written an open letter to the state Police Command over the alleged harassment, arbitrary arrest and extortion of students and residents by officers of the command in Ile-Ife.
Olaoye, in the letter addressed to the Area Commander, Ile-Ife Command, on November 27, said officers under the command have been harassing and arresting students and young residents based on personal appearances.
According to him, the officers always target students and sometimes forcefully eject them from mini-buses and motorcycles and whisk them away.
Olaoye in the letter alleged that over 80 students have been detained by the police officers over offences such as having tattoos, dreadlocks and putting on earrings and ‘crazy jeans’
Olaoye demanded the immediate cessation of all forms of harassment, extortion, and discriminatory profiling of students and residents within Ile-Ife.
He also called for the “Immediate and unconditional release of every student or resident currently detained under these unlawful operations.
“A full internal investigation into the officers involved in these misconducts, failing which we shall be compelled to publicly disclose their identities as already documented.
“A formal directive from the State Command prohibiting illegal checkpoints and discriminatory policing practices within the affected communities.”
Reacting, the state police command in a statement on its X account on Thursday, confirmed the receipt of the letter.
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The statement said the command under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, would not support or tolerate misconduct, extortion, or violation of citizens’ rights.
The statement noted that any officer found guilty would face the full disciplinary action as laid down in the Police Act and Regulations.
The statement reads: “The Osun State Police Command has received the open letter dated 27th November 2025 from Omooba Oluseyi Olaoye concerning reports of harassment, extortion, illegal checkpoints and arbitrary arrests of students and residents in Ile-Ife and surrounding areas.
Under the leadership of CP Ibrahim Gotan mnips, this Command does NOT support or tolerate misconduct, extortion or violation of citizens’ rights by any officer. Investigation has commenced immediately. We urge everyone affected to come forward with detailed date, location, vehicle number, officer description, etc., and report to the Area Commander Ile-Ife, the PPRO Office Osogbo, any police station near you or the Command’s Complaint Response Unit (CRU) lines: 08035143235, 08066286549, 08030732461.
“Any officer found guilty will face full disciplinary action as laid down in the Police Act and Regulations. The Command remains committed to protecting lives and property while respecting the rights of all citizens.”
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
