The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has accused the Amotekun Corps of acting as a political tool for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led government under Governor Ademola Adeleke, alleging that the state-backed security outfit is being used to harass and intimidate opposition members.
At a press conference on Monday, the Osun APC, through its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, claimed the Amotekun Corps has been turned into an extension of the PDP’s political machinery, arming thugs and targeting APC supporters across the state.
“It was gathered that the Adeleke-led administration is using a decoy to arm the party’s political thugs with directives to unleash terror on opposition members,” Olabisi alleged, citing the recent arrest of community leaders in Itaapa, Atakunmosa East Local Government Area.
He further claimed that the Field Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Mr. Isaac Omoyele, a retired Chief Superintendent of Police, has a controversial past including allegations of human rights violations and misconduct during his time in service. Olabisi accused Omoyele of leading a “vendetta-driven” security operation involving illegal arrests, extortion, and intimidation.
He also alleged that the corps had been involved in economic sabotage by intercepting trailers transporting rice, extorting miners, and interfering in civil disputes beyond its constitutional mandate.
“We appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police, and the National Security Adviser to urgently intervene and rescue the people of Osun from this unlawful political intimidation,” Olabisi stated.
A former commissioner and APC chieftain, Adebayo Adeleke, echoed the sentiment, stating that the party has “completely lost confidence” in the Amotekun Corps’ neutrality and professionalism.
Amotekun Denies Political Allegations, Parades Armed Suspects
In response, the Field Commander of the Osun Amotekun Corps, Isaac Omoyele, firmly denied all allegations of political bias and misconduct. Addressing journalists in Osogbo, Omoyele described the APC’s accusations as “baseless and malicious,” stressing that the corps was acting strictly within legal bounds.
“There is no witch-hunting here. We arrested a notorious suspect armed with a pump action gun and wearing military camouflage. He confessed to sourcing weapons from an armoury in Ibadan, and we are investigating the network,” Omoyele stated.
He clarified that the arrested individuals were not community chiefs as claimed, but criminal suspects involved in a serious case of attempted murder and illegal possession of firearms.
“We are not targeting community leaders; we are addressing a clear criminal case,” he said. “We’ve applied for a court order to continue investigations. Everything we’re doing is within the law.”
On the bribery allegations, where Amotekun operatives were accused of demanding N5 million for bail, Omoyele challenged accusers to present evidence. “N5 million is not a chicken change. Anyone alleging bribery should come forward with proof,” he said.
Meanwhile, DAILY POST gathered that the security agency arrested five suspects from Itaapa — Ayodele Ogunsola, Lekan Adeyeri, Ariyo Dare, Sunday Adeyeri, and Oladele Adeyeri — for allegedly moving around the area in camouflage uniforms with firearms. Recovered exhibits included a pump action rifle and charms.
Amotekun maintains that its operations are driven by public safety concerns, not politics, and warned against attempts to undermine its legitimacy with false narratives.
As tensions continue to rise, all eyes are on the state government and federal authorities for a resolution that balances security enforcement with political neutrality.
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