The campaign council of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has accused the Nigerian Navy of releasing an All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate allegedly arrested with a gun ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
The Imole Campaign Council made the allegation in a statement signed by its spokesman, Pelumi Olajengbesi, following the reported arrest of Babatunde Festus Komolafe, an APC House of Assembly candidate for Atakumosa East/West State Constituency.
Komolafe, popularly known as BFK, was reportedly arrested alongside some of his supporters by naval personnel in Ifewara, his hometown, on Thursday.
According to the campaign council, the suspects were travelling in an APC campaign vehicle when naval personnel conducting a routine search allegedly discovered a gun inside the vehicle.
The council said a video showing the arrest had circulated widely on social media, generating public concern over the circumstances surrounding the incident.
However, it alleged that the APC candidate and the other suspects were subsequently released following pressure from senior members of the party.
The council further claimed that the naval officer who led the operation was allegedly pressured to release the suspects and subsequently asked to step aside.
The allegations have not been independently verified.
Campaign Council Commends Military
Despite its allegation, the Adeleke campaign council commended the Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly the Nigerian Navy, for what it described as professionalism and neutrality throughout the election campaign.
“The Imole Campaign Council commends the men and officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces, especially the Nigerian Navy, for their neutrality and professionalism since the commencement of the governorship election campaigns,” the statement said.
The council said security personnel had demonstrated commitment by arresting suspected troublemakers irrespective of their political affiliations.
It, however, expressed concern over the alleged release of a suspect who it said was apprehended with an unauthorised firearm.
“That said, the release of a suspect who was caught with an unauthorised gun is unacceptable. It sends the wrong signal to political criminals whose pastime is killing and maiming,” the council said.
Adeleke Camp Raises Concern Over Previous Incident
The governor’s campaign team linked the latest allegation to an earlier incident involving suspected APC supporters in the state.
It alleged that, about two weeks ago, police personnel intervened in an incident involving five APC supporters who had reportedly been arrested by the Nigerian Navy.
The council claimed that the suspects included a man identified as Asiri Eniba, whom it described as a notorious APC thug.
According to the statement, the suspects were allegedly arrested after purportedly shooting sporadically in Ile-Ife with pump-action guns.
The campaign council further alleged that police personnel subsequently attacked military personnel in an effort to secure the release of the suspects.
The allegations concerning both incidents require clarification from the relevant security agencies and those accused.
Council Calls for Investigation
The Imole Campaign Council called on the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to investigate what it described as a serious security concern and ensure that anyone found to have violated the law is prosecuted.
It maintained that political affiliation should not shield anyone from the law, particularly during an election period when security concerns are heightened.
“No politician is above the law, and no political thug should be released to keep fomenting trouble,” the council said.
The statement was signed by Olajengbesi, spokesman of the Imole Campaign Council.
