Osun Youth Group Demands Police Action Over Presence of Fugitives at Adeleke Event

A prominent youth organisation in Osun State, Igbimo Odo Ìjèsà, has renewed its call on the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the continued freedom of two men reportedly declared wanted by security agencies, following claims that they openly participated in a political rally attended by Governor Ademola Adeleke.

The group expressed outrage over reports that Solomon Adefisoye, popularly known as Solo Iwara, and Oyeyemi Olalekan, also known as Emir, were allegedly seen at an Accord Party rally held in Ijebu-Jesa, where they reportedly shared the same platform with Governor Adeleke and other political figures.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesman, Olumide Adedeji, the group described the development as disturbing and capable of undermining public confidence in the nation’s law enforcement institutions.

According to the statement, both men have previously been declared wanted in connection with serious criminal allegations, including murder, kidnapping and armed robbery, yet have continued to move about freely without apparent interference from security agencies.

“It is both alarming and unacceptable that individuals alleged to be wanted by law enforcement authorities can openly attend political gatherings, mingle with influential personalities and move around without fear of arrest,” the group stated.

The youth body recalled that Oyeyemi was allegedly declared wanted after jumping bail following his arrest in connection with killings that occurred in 2022. It further claimed that Adefisoye had also been declared wanted over alleged involvement in violent attacks that led to the deaths of several youths in Ijesaland.

Beyond the issue of their continued freedom, the group said residents have become increasingly worried by claims that the suspects enjoy protection from influential quarters.

According to the organisation, reports from various communities suggest that the duo allegedly boast of being untouchable, a situation it said raises troubling questions about the effectiveness and impartiality of law enforcement in the state.

“Many residents are concerned by the perception that certain individuals may be operating above the law. Such a perception, whether true or false, damages public trust in our institutions and must be addressed urgently,” the statement added.

The group also referenced widespread political speculation linking the suspects to Governor Adeleke and Accord Party’s Osun East Senatorial candidate, Ibukun Fadipe. However, it acknowledged that neither politician has publicly confirmed nor responded to the allegations.

According to Igbimo Odo Ìjèsà, the appearance of the two men at the rally has further fueled public suspicion and intensified calls for an independent investigation.

“The Nigeria Police Force owes the public a duty to clarify the status of these individuals. If they are no longer wanted, the authorities should say so. If they remain wanted, then the public deserves to know why they are still moving around freely,” the group said.

The organisation further questioned how individuals reportedly on the police wanted list were allegedly able to gain access to a major political event and appear in close proximity to government officials without attracting security scrutiny.

It maintained that only a transparent investigation by the Inspector-General of Police would dispel growing allegations of compromise and reassure citizens that justice is being pursued without fear or favour.

The group warned that continued inaction could heighten public frustration, particularly among families and communities affected by the crimes linked to the suspects.

“We urge the Inspector-General of Police to act swiftly and decisively. No individual should be allowed to operate above the law. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done before frustrated victims and affected communities begin to lose faith in the system,” the statement concluded.