The Osun State Police Command is conducting an investigation into the alleged self-kidnapping of Shakirulahi Babatunde, a media aide to Governor Ademola Adeleke. According to reports, Babatunde staged his own kidnapping in an attempt to extort the state government. The incident has sparked a police probe, with the state government assuring that the investigation is being conducted without interference from government officials. The governor's spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, confirmed the development, stating that the police are handling the case.
The alleged self-kidnapping was reported to the police after Babatunde sent a text message claiming he had been abducted. The incident report was lodged with the police on the instruction of the Chief of Staff to the governor, Kazeem Akinleye. The matter was subsequently transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the Osun State Police Command, which commenced an investigation. The police are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged self-kidnapping and whether any individuals or groups were involved.
The governor's spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, denied reports that senior officials of the administration were attempting to influence the police to abandon the investigation. He emphasized that the state government is committed to transparency and respect for the law, and that no government official would prevent law enforcement agencies from carrying out their statutory responsibilities. Rasheed urged the public to disregard misinformation aimed at damaging the reputations of government officials and the police.
Rasheed also denied allegations that government officials attempted to bribe the police to suppress the investigation. He stated that nobody in the government is attempting to bribe the police, and that the police have not received any money from state officials as libellously asserted in a publication. The state government is awaiting the outcome of the police investigation before taking any further action.
The Osun State Police Command had not issued a public statement on the alleged self-kidnapping as of the time of reporting. The police investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to gather evidence and interview witnesses. The case has raised concerns about the security situation in the state and the potential for government officials to be targeted by individuals seeking to extort money.
Governor Ademola Adeleke's administration has been working to promote transparency and accountability in governance. The alleged self-kidnapping by one of his aides has raised questions about the level of security and oversight within the government. The governor's spokesperson has assured that the administration is committed to cooperating with the police and allowing the investigation to proceed without interference.
The investigation into the alleged self-kidnapping is expected to reveal more details about the incident and potential motives behind it. The state government has urged the public to remain calm and to allow the police to conduct their investigation without interference. The case will likely have implications for the state's governance and security situation.
Key points
- The Osun State Police Command is investigating the alleged self-kidnapping of Governor Ademola Adeleke's aide, Shakirulahi Babatunde.
- The state government has denied allegations of interference in the investigation or attempting to bribe the police.
- The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in the state and the potential for government officials to be targeted by individuals seeking to extort money.
