The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Osun State, Hon. Oluwole Jimi-Bada (SAN), has faulted the police raid on the residence of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, describing his continued detention after voluntarily reporting to the police as disturbing and difficult to justify.
In his press release on Thursday, Jimi-Bada said the Osun State Government was not opposed to lawful investigations or the constitutional responsibilities of the Nigeria Police Force but insisted that law enforcement agencies must always operate within the confines of the law.
He stressed that while no one is above the law, the police are equally bound by the provisions of the Constitution and must carry out their duties with fairness, neutrality and professionalism.
According to the Attorney-General, information available to the state government showed that the SSG was not at home when police officers raided his residence and arrested some individuals.
He explained that Igbalaye neither fled nor attempted to evade the authorities. Instead, he voluntarily reported at the Force Headquarters after learning about the arrests in a bid to cooperate with investigators and seek administrative bail for those taken into custody.
Jimi-Bada described it as surprising that a public official who willingly presented himself before law enforcement officers was later detained despite not being arrested at the scene of the operation.
He warned that such actions could undermine public confidence in law enforcement and discourage citizens from voluntarily cooperating with security agencies.
“If a citizen who voluntarily goes to the police to assist an inquiry can be turned into a detainee without clear and credible grounds, then every citizen is at risk,” the Attorney-General said.
He reiterated that the Osun State Government supports lawful investigations and does not condone criminality but maintained that every investigation must be conducted in line with the Constitution and the principles of justice.
The Attorney-General’s remarks come amid growing controversy surrounding the police operation at the SSG’s residence, which has sparked reactions from political leaders and stakeholders across the state.
Submit a Press Release | Advertise With Fresh News | Contact Us
