Arrest Anyone Behind Election Violence — Even My Son, Adeleke Tells IGP as Police Issue Strong Warning Ahead of Osun Poll

With barely weeks to the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has issued a stern warning to politicians and their supporters, declaring that anyone involved in election-related violence will be arrested and prosecuted.

The IGP made the declaration during a stakeholders’ meeting in Osogbo on Friday, where he met separately with political leaders at the Government House and the Police Headquarters as part of efforts to ensure a peaceful electoral process.

According to him, the Nigeria Police have received intelligence reports linking members of different political parties to acts of violence, stressing that the forthcoming governorship election must not be turned into a battlefield.
Arrest Anyone Behind Election Violence — Even My Son, Adeleke Tells IGP as Police Issue Strong Warning Ahead of Osun Poll

With barely weeks to the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has issued a stern warning to politicians and their supporters, declaring that anyone involved in election-related violence will be arrested and prosecuted.

The IGP made the declaration during a stakeholders’ meeting in Osogbo on Friday, where he met separately with political leaders at the Government House and the Police Headquarters as part of efforts to ensure a peaceful electoral process.

According to him, the Nigeria Police have received intelligence reports linking members of different political parties to acts of violence, stressing that the forthcoming governorship election must not be turned into a battlefield.

“We are preparing for an election, not a war,” the police chief said, assuring political parties that adequate security would be provided before, during and after the election.

Disu explained that his visit from Abuja underscored the seriousness of the security concerns surrounding the poll.

“You cannot kill anyone and think you can walk around freely. Nobody will commit a crime and go scot-free,” he warned.

The IGP also revealed that the Osun State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, had briefed him on intelligence suggesting that some suspects linked to violent activities were allegedly being protected. He said he immediately raised the issue during his meeting with Governor Ademola Adeleke.

In response, Governor Adeleke reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to law and order, insisting that no individual, regardless of political affiliation or family ties, should be shielded from justice.

“Even if it is my own son committing a crime, arrest him,” the governor stated, adding that anyone found violating the law should face the consequences.

Adeleke also disclosed that security agencies had informed him of alleged plans by some individuals to create panic through shootings and other violent acts ahead of the election. He welcomed the IGP’s intervention and pledged the state’s full cooperation with security agencies.

Reiterating that the era of political violence and impunity must come to an end, the IGP directed the Commissioner of Police to ensure that everyone linked to violent offences is investigated and brought to justice.

He concluded by assuring all political parties of fairness, professionalism and adequate security throughout the election period, while urging stakeholders to work closely with the police to guarantee a peaceful and credible governorship election in Osun State.
“We are preparing for an election, not a war,” the police chief said, assuring political parties that adequate security would be provided before, during and after the election.

Disu explained that his visit from Abuja underscored the seriousness of the security concerns surrounding the poll.

“You cannot kill anyone and think you can walk around freely. Nobody will commit a crime and go scot-free,” he warned.

The IGP also revealed that the Osun State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, had briefed him on intelligence suggesting that some suspects linked to violent activities were allegedly being protected. He said he immediately raised the issue during his meeting with Governor Ademola Adeleke.

In response, Governor Adeleke reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to law and order, insisting that no individual, regardless of political affiliation or family ties, should be shielded from justice.

“Even if it is my own son committing a crime, arrest him,” the governor stated, adding that anyone found violating the law should face the consequences.

Adeleke also disclosed that security agencies had informed him of alleged plans by some individuals to create panic through shootings and other violent acts ahead of the election. He welcomed the IGP’s intervention and pledged the state’s full cooperation with security agencies.

Reiterating that the era of political violence and impunity must come to an end, the IGP directed the Commissioner of Police to ensure that everyone linked to violent offences is investigated and brought to justice.

He concluded by assuring all political parties of fairness, professionalism and adequate security throughout the election period, while urging stakeholders to work closely with the police to guarantee a peaceful and credible governorship election in Osun State.