The Osun State Police Command has paraded 24 suspects, including Kareem Saheed, alias “Tanfeani”, over alleged murder and political violence in the state.
The suspects were presented to the press at the Police Command Headquarters in Osogbo by the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan.
CP Gotan said Saheed is accused of leading hoodlums to the Irepodun LG secretariat in Ilobu on June 21, where 14-year-old Ezekiel Olapade was shot dead. The boy’s father, Gbenga Olapade, said the group attacked his wife’s shop and a stray bullet killed his son.
The father of the deceased, Gbenga Olapade, had previously alleged that the group attacked his wife’s business premises and opened fire, causing a stray bullet to strike his son.
During the parade, Saheed denied any involvement in the killing. He asserted that he is an Executive Assistant to the Chairman of Irepodun Local Government and claimed he was at a political party office at the time of the shooting.
Regarding a viral video showing him with a firearm, Saheed claimed the footage was recorded two days earlier, alleging he had recovered the weapon from rival party members who had attacked him.
Commissioner Gotan emphasized that the police are intensifying operations to curb cultism, political thuggery, and other violent crimes.
During the crackdown, officers reportedly recovered locally fabricated firearms, assorted charms, and various hard drugs from the suspects.
The Commissioner issued a stern warning to political thugs and criminal elements, stating that the command is committed to maintaining public peace and that those responsible for recent violence will face the full extent of the law.
The other 23 suspects paraded alongside Saheed were apprehended for various offenses ranging from unlawful group membership to violent criminal acts.
