The Nigeria Police Force has redeployed Osun state’s Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, from the state command and appointed Ibrahim Zungura to replace him.

The development comes less than two weeks after the conclusion of the Osun governorship election and months after Gotan came under sustained criticism from political actors and civil society groups over allegations that the state police command was not impartial in handling politically sensitive matters ahead of the 15 August poll.

The new development was confirmed by the Osun state Police spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, who said the command would issue a statement containing details of the new commissioner’s deployment and Gotan’s transfer.

“Yes, but we will drop a press release before the night,” the spokesperson said.

Zungura was among the 17 Deputy Commissioners of Police promoted to the rank of Commissioner of Police by the Police Service Commission (PSC) in July.

The Nigeria Police Force later listed him among senior officers affected by its nationwide postings. Before the latest development, he was listed as Commissioner of Police in charge of Training and Courses at the Police Academy, Kano in early August.

His appointment places him at the helm of the Osun state command at a time when the state is still dealing with the security fallout of the 15 August governorship election, including disputes over local government control and alleged political violence.

Gotan’s tenure in Osun had become increasingly controversial in the months leading up to the election.

Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration had repeatedly criticised the police command, accusing it of partisan conduct and demanding that the Inspector-General of Police intervene.

In January, the state government accused the command of what it described as “unacceptable partisan conduct” over the arrest and continued detention of one of the governor’s aides.

The criticism intensified in June when Accord Party lawmakers accused Gotan of failing to adequately respond to politically motivated attacks against members of the ruling party. A coalition of civil society groups also demanded his redeployment, alleging that his continued presence could undermine confidence in the policing of the election.

The police, however, did not publicly accept the allegations of partisanship against Gotan. (Premium Times)