OSOGBO, January 12, 2026 — Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to rein in the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Gothan, over what he described as unlawful arrests and prolonged detention of individuals in the state.
The governor specifically demanded the immediate and unconditional release of one of his aides, Mr. Abiodun Adegoke Apesin, who has allegedly been detained for several days without charge and repeatedly denied bail over a defamation petition linked to the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji.
In a statement issued in Osogbo on Monday, Governor Adeleke condemned the continued detention of Mr. Adegoke, describing it as a violation of his fundamental human rights. He noted that the allegation against his aide is a non-capital offence, which is bailable under Nigerian law.
The governor expressed concern that the police allegedly refused bail on two separate occasions despite full compliance with bail conditions, including the presentation of Level 10 and Level 12 officers. He described the development as “unacceptable partisan conduct” by the Osun State Police Command.
Governor Adeleke further accused the command of eroding professional standards since the assumption of office by the current commissioner, alleging a pattern of detaining suspects without prompt arraignment or bail, often based on verbal petitions from opposition political figures.
“One of my aides, Mr. Adegoke, has been detained for more than five days without being charged to court and has been denied bail twice. This is a clear breach of the Constitution and the rule of law,” the governor said.
He also recalled the earlier arrest of another aide, Mr. Iyiola Monsuru, noting that both aides were arrested without prior formal police invitations.
While urging the IGP to intervene, Governor Adeleke cautioned the police against allowing themselves to be used for political purposes, warning that such actions could undermine peace, security, and public trust in the state.
“The police must not conduct themselves in a manner that portrays them as serving the political interests of the APC or its chieftains. The Nigeria Police Force must remain impartial, professional, and committed to the rule of law,” he added.
The statement was signed by Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to Governor Ademola Adeleke.