Investigate shooting of OSTMS Chairman, CSOs calls on IGP.






Investigate shooting of OSTMS Chairman, CSOs calls on IGP.

BY OPEYEMI AKINYEMI 

Concerned Civil Society Groups in Osun State has called on the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to immediately investigate the crisis between Officers of the Nigeria Police and Osun State Transport Management System OSTMS, led to shooting of the Chairman, Nurudeen Alowonle.

The groups demanded the removal of the Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Osun State Police Command, SP Moses Lohor, within seven days or face mass protests.

This was disclosed at a press conference addressed by the spokesperson for the Groups in osogbo , the state capital, Stephen Olanrewaju, decried the arrest and shooting of the transport workers chairman, alleging the involvement of political interests in the situation.

The groups also condemned the involvement of law enforcement agents, especially the police in the arrest of perceived political enemies of some political actors, saying the act is capable of truncating the peaceful coexistence of the state.

"The inexcusable shooting of the Chairman of the Osun State Park Management System, Nurudeen lyanda Alowonle, by men of the Nigerian police anti-kidnapping squad headed by Moses Lohor in the early hours of Tuesday, November 19, 2024, is not only condemnable but unlawful and totally unacceptable" Olanrewaju said.

"Before this particular shooting of Alowonle, there were widespread allegations of high- handedness, indiscriminate arrests, extortion, and unannounced killings by the same anti- kidnapping unit of the Osun Police Command led by Moses Lohor.

"Following the narrative surrounding the shooting of the park chairman as put out by the police themselves, one can easily pick holes and conclude that the incident was a direct and intentional attempt to eliminate lyanda Alowonle for obvious reasons.

"The claim that Alowonle attempted to escape and was shot cannot hold water because the victim was shot in the abdomen. Common sense dictates that a suspect trying to escape will ordinarily have his back facing the police and not the other way around.

"We demand the urgent intervention of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, in the thorough investigation of the matter and dispensation of justice to erring officers, especially OC of the anti-kidnapping unit, SP Moses Lohor, whose leadership has been filled with cases of attacks on innocent citizens.

"We seek the immediate removal of Lohor. We recall that not quite long ago, some members of various political groups perceived to be against the current federal government were arrested on the orders of SP Lohor in connection with some political actors to silence opposition voices ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

"We wish to also urge the IGP to caution his men in Osun against any form of extrajudicial killings witnessed in times past, as it can further disrupt the peace of the state. You will all recall that the #EndSARS protest was about the overzealousness of law enforcement agents. As peace-loving and law-abiding citizens of the state, we urge the police to maintain its constitutional role of maintaining law and order and securing the lives and property of the people.

"We also urge political actors to stop the usage of law enforcement agents to clamp down on soft targets, especially their perceived political enemies. We wish to remind them that politics is to serve the people. If politicians who seek to serve the people then become lawbreakers, police officers who swore to protect the Nigerian nation must resist every attempt to be used as agents of destruction.

"However, if Lohor is not removed within a week, we will embark on a mass protest that may lead to another round of #EndBadGovernance," the civil society groups noted.


-END-

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

League of Islam preachers meets chief Imams of Ifon, Ilobu and Erin Osun communities.

Image
League of Islam preachers meets chief Imams of Ifon, Ilobu and Erin Osun communities. Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, says his administration will continue to mobilize proper and acceptable mediation that will bring about permanent peace and tranquility in Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin Osun. Senator Ademola Adeleke stated this while meeting with the Chief Imams of Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin Osun at a stakeholders' meeting in Ede. The meeting had in attendance chief Imams of Ifon, Ilobu and Erin Osun communities where issues that will about lasting peace to the three towns. Speaking The Governor, senator Ademola Adeleke who was represented by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Alhaji Miniru Raji, highlighted the importance of fostering unity and embracing mutual relationships in settling any form of crisis. He said his administration would not tarry in ensuring that the lives and property of the people of Osun State are protected, thereby calling on the participating Chief I...
Read more

AKINRUN STOOL: GBOLERU HAS A CANDIDATE, IMPOSTORS SHOULD DESIST FROM MANIPULATING THE PROCESS.

Image
AKINRUN STOOL: GBOLERU HAS A CANDIDATE, IMPOSTORS SHOULD DESIST FROM MANIPULATING THE PROCESS. Gboleru Ruling House, Ikirun in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun State has renewed its call for the ruling house to present the next Akinrun of Ikirun land. The Royal family headed by Prince Olatunji Tijani, in a statement urged Governor Ademola Adeleke to continue to path the way of justice, saying position of state government through the white paper has in no small measure brought peace and tranquility to the wealthy community of Ikirun. Countering the position of Ikirun Elders Council , Gboleru ruling house appealed to the Governor to ignore the Elders Council, saying  what they were pushing for would not do the town any good but to jeopardize the peaceful efforts already put in place by the government. The Ikirun Elders Council had in a letter addressed to the state government called for the abandonment of the white paper released by the statement and initiate a fresh selection ...
Read more

Ehia Olu Akhabue Celebrates Dr Deji Adeleke on 68th Birthday

Image
Heartfelt felicitations on your 68th birthday to an illustrious Ede-born business icon and Philanthropist per excellent : Ehia Olu. Akhabue celebrates Dr Deji Adeleke Today, March 6th. 2025, we celebrate a quintessential and remarkable individual, Dr. Deji Adeleke, a man of many parts, whose life's work has left an indelible mark on the world of business, education, power generation, and a philanthropy. As he marks his 68th birthday today, we honor God in his life, his achievements, dedication, and  unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others that comes across his way. Deji Adeleke's journey to success is a testament to his hard work, resilience, and vision. Born into a humble family of Senator Raji Ayoola Adeleke and Mama Esther Adeleke on March 6th, 1957 in Enugu, in the present day Enugu State. He rose through the ranks to become one of Nigeria's most respected and accomplished businessmen. His foray into the business world began with a modes...
Read more