The Secretary of the Osun State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and editor at Rave FM, Olalekan Akindoju, has alleged that he was arrested and detained by armed operatives of the Osun State Police Command during a raid on his residence in Osogbo.
Akindoju said five armed officers stormed his home around 6 a.m. on Thursday, gaining access to the compound by jumping over the fence before banging on his door and ordering him to come out.
According to the journalist, the officers, some of whom wore black vests bearing the inscription “Police Response Unit,” ignored his explanations and identification despite introducing himself and presenting his official identity card. He alleged that the officers seized his phone and ID card before handcuffing him alongside another suspect.
He said he was subsequently taken to the state police headquarters, where colleagues were initially unable to ascertain his whereabouts. Akindoju added that after officials from his organisation, with the assistance of the police spokesperson, located him, the officers said they were conducting investigations in the area and searching for some individuals.
The journalist said he was released shortly before noon after being compelled to write a statement and provide information about his neighbours. He expressed concern that the manner of his arrest could have created a wrong impression among neighbours and co-tenants.
Akindoju further stated that he suffered pain in his wrists from prolonged handcuffing and remained psychologically affected by the incident. “I am still feeling the shock. I am still disturbed, and the experience has affected me emotionally,” he said.
When contacted for comments, the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, declined to address the allegations directly, asking reporters to speak with Akindoju instead. The command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.
