— Seeks police neutrality before governorship election

By John Alechenu, Abuja

The Adeleke Campaign Organisation has petitioned the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), alleging misuse of police powers in Osun State ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.

The campaign also called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to reassure Nigerians that the Nigeria Police Force would remain neutral and ensure the safety of lives and property during the election.

Speaking with journalists after submitting the petition at the NHRC headquarters in Abuja on Monday, the campaign’s spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, expressed concern over what he described as alleged human rights violations and security challenges in the state.

“We have come to the National Human Rights Commission to present our concerns over what we consider abuse of human rights in Osun State as the election approaches,” he said.

In the petition, the campaign alleged that 36 people had been killed in the state, urging the authorities to investigate the incidents and ensure justice for victims.

Olajengbesi called on the IGP to publicly assure residents of Osun State that the police would provide adequate security and conduct themselves professionally during the election.

“We want the Inspector-General of Police to assure Nigerians and the people of Osun State that the election will be credible and that the police have the capacity to protect lives and property,” he said.

The campaign also raised concerns over the arrest of some Osun residents, alleging that they were detained in police facilities across the country.

According to Olajengbesi, some of those detained were later released following public criticism, while he also questioned the redeployment of the Commissioner of Police to Osun State.

He further alleged that the Accord Party candidate for Ijesa South, Popoola Alabama, was arrested during a political campaign in Ilesa and subsequently transferred to Abuja, where a magistrate court reportedly granted an order for his detention over allegations of unlawful possession of firearms and armed robbery.

The campaign claimed that no incriminating items were recovered from the politician at the time of his arrest and called on the police to either charge him to court or release him.

It also urged the police to release other persons it alleged were unlawfully detained, while insisting that anyone suspected of committing an offence should be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The campaign further appealed to the police to ensure a free, fair and peaceful election in Osun State, urging all security agencies to remain impartial in the discharge of their duties.

The Nigeria Police Force had not responded to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.