The Imole Campaign Council has raised concerns over the reported release of an All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly candidate who was allegedly arrested by Nigerian Navy personnel with a firearm in Osun State.
The council also commended the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies for what it described as professional and neutral conduct ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
In a statement issued on Friday by its spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, the council said it was concerned about the reported arrest and subsequent release of Babatunde Festus Komolafe, popularly known as BFK, the APC candidate for the Atakumosa East/West State Constituency.
According to the council, Komolafe and some supporters were arrested on Thursday in his hometown of Ifewara after naval personnel allegedly discovered a firearm inside a campaign vehicle during a routine search.
The incident attracted public attention after a video showing the arrest circulated on social media.
However, the Imole Campaign Council questioned why the suspects were subsequently released.
The council alleged that political pressure was brought to bear on the naval officers handling the case, although it did not identify those allegedly responsible or provide independent evidence to substantiate the claim.
It called for a proper investigation into the circumstances surrounding the release, particularly given heightened concerns over political violence ahead of the election.
Council Praises Security Agencies
Despite its criticism over the reported release, the council praised the Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly the Nigerian Navy, for what it described as neutrality and professionalism throughout the election campaign.
It said security personnel had demonstrated a willingness to arrest suspected troublemakers regardless of their political affiliation.
The council, however, warned that releasing a suspect allegedly found with an unauthorised firearm could undermine public confidence in security operations and send the wrong signal during an already tense election period.
Concerns Over Political Violence
The latest controversy comes amid heightened political tension in Osun ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The state has witnessed disputes involving political parties, supporters and security agencies, alongside reports of shootings and alleged activities of political thugs.
In late July, gunfire was reported at Mayfair Motor Park in Ile-Ife during a confrontation involving rival factions of the National Union of Road Transport Workers.
Nigerian Navy personnel subsequently intervened and reportedly arrested suspected thugs allegedly found with pump-action guns.
The incident occurred amid a wider dispute over control of the transport union in the state. Governor Ademola Adeleke had earlier ordered the suspension of union activities at motor parks following repeated clashes and directed security agencies to enforce the order.
The governor has also previously expressed concerns about alleged politically motivated shootings and called on security agencies to prevent violence during the election period.
Call for NSA’s Intervention
The Imole Campaign Council has now called on the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to investigate the reported release of the APC candidate and other suspects.
The council insisted that political connections should not influence the handling of security cases.
It also warned that allowing individuals accused of possessing firearms to return to the streets without a transparent investigation could contribute to further insecurity during the election.
The allegations made by the campaign council have not, however, been independently established, and it remains unclear from the statement whether the suspects were formally charged or what the security authorities’ explanation for their reported release was.
