The Nigeria Police Force has reportedly released all ad-hoc staff of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) who were arrested during the recent local government elections.
This development follows widespread criticism over the detentions and the sealing of OSSIEC’s headquarters by police operatives.
In a video posted on OSSIEC’s official X page on Saturday, OSSIEC Chairman, Hashim Abioye, had earlier condemned the actions, stating that the arrests and closure of the commission’s office hindered the electoral process and access to essential materials.
While he commended voters for turning out to exercise their rights, he apologised to journalists for accreditation challenges, attributing the issue to the police’s actions.
“So far, so good. The reports have been positive, and the conduct of the election has been smooth and peaceful, contrary to the false alarm raised by the police. Everywhere is calm,” Abioye had stated.
He had also questioned the legality of the arrests, saying, “I don’t know on whose order this was done because there is no court order that warranted the arrest of our officials.”
In response to these events, OSSIEC and Mr. Abioye have initiated legal action against the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Osun State Commissioner of Police.
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The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court in Osogbo, seeks N2 billion in damages for the alleged illegal arrest and detention of OSSIEC staff, as well as the unlawful sealing of the commission’s premises.
The plaintiffs argue that these actions constitute a breach of fundamental rights, including liberty and dignity.
IGP Commend Osun Police For Peaceful LG Polls Despite Calling For Suspension
Meanwhile, the IGP Egbetokun has commended the Commissioner of Police in Osun, Mohammed Abba, for ensuring a peaceful and secure environment during the state local government election.
This was coming after the Nigeria Police Force advised that last Saturday’s local government election should be suspended due to security threats.
In a statement by CSP Yemisi Opalola, police spokesperson, on Wednesday in Osun, Egbetokun gave the commendation during a visit to the police command on Tuesday.
Opalola said the IGP was in Osun to supervise and gain a firsthand view of the situation in the state concerning the recently conducted local government election.
She said the IGP, represented by Ari Muhammed Ali, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of Operations, commended the officers who worked tirelessly over the week to maintain peace and order.
“He also commended the Osun Commissioner of Police for his exemplary leadership and role in ensuring a peaceful and secure environment throughout the election period.
“He praised the officers and men for their dedication and hard work and expressed gratitude for their support,” she said.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that the state government has accused the IGP of siding with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, to cause mayhem in the state.
Also, the tactical squad deployed by the IGP to local government councils in the state are still there, providing security for the reinstated APC chairmen.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
