The Oyo State Police Command has explained that officers from the Kwara State Police Command attempted to arrest Yoruba traditionalist and Isese adherent, Abdulazeez Adegbola, popularly known as Tani Olohun, in Ibadan on Tuesday.
The police said the officers were acting on a warrant issued by the Upper Ilorin Magistrates’ Court in Ilorin over allegations of conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.
The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday.
According to the police, the warrant followed an alleged failure by Tani Olohun to comply with conditions attached to bail earlier granted to him by the court.
The statement said, “The Command wishes to clarify that the officers were acting pursuant to a warrant of arrest issued by the Upper Ilorin Magistrates’ Court, Ilorin, in connection with allegations bordering on conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.”
It added that the warrant was reportedly issued after Tani Olohun allegedly failed to honour his bail conditions, leading the court to order his arrest.
The attempted arrest reportedly led to a confrontation between the officers and some residents who resisted the operation.
The situation was later brought under control following the intervention of Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.
Following the incident, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police directed the Kwara officers to return to their base.
The command also advised the complainant to approach the appropriate court in Ibadan, which it said was the location of the alleged offence, in accordance with due process and territorial jurisdiction.
The police urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid actions capable of escalating the situation.
“The Oyo State Police Command therefore urges members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding and to refrain from actions capable of disturbing the peace or escalating the situation,” the statement said.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting lives and property, and ensuring that complaints are handled professionally and in accordance with existing laws.
