Adeleke's Government Must Stop The Blackmail And Respect The Independence Of The Nigeria Police.

By  SALAM MUSTAPHA OLAMILEKAN

The Ademola Adeleke–led government should exercise restraint and immediately desist from actions that could be reasonably perceived as attempts to intimidate or discredit the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Commissioner of Police in Osun State. What has unfolded in recent days raises serious concerns about undue politicisation of a matter that is already before a competent court of law.

It is important to properly situate this issue for the benefit of the Osun public. Criticism of law enforcement agencies should be guided by facts, due process, and respect for constitutional boundaries, not by emotional narratives or politically charged accusations. Unfortunately, sections of the state government and its supporters appear to have embraced the language of “abuse of power” only after one of their associates became subject to lawful investigation.

For several months, Mr. Abiodun Adegoke Apesin has been widely associated with controversial social media publications directed at notable citizens of Osun State. These publications have generated public debate, complaints, and reputational concerns. It is therefore neither surprising nor extraordinary that formal petitions would arise from individuals who believe they have been wronged. In a constitutional democracy, such grievances are resolved through lawful institutions, not media trials or political pressure.

The press statement issued by the Osun State Police Command on the matter is particularly instructive. It provided a factual account of events and clarified that the arrest in question followed a formal petition, invitations that were allegedly not honoured, and an intelligence-led investigation. The Police further stated that the suspect was arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction, where the matter is now being adjudicated.

According to the Police Command, the following steps occurred:

– A publication alleged to be defamatory was made on 27 December 2025.

– A formal petition was submitted by an affected party.

– The suspect was invited for questioning.

– Subsequent efforts were made to locate him after he reportedly became unreachable.

– He was eventually apprehended through lawful and intelligence-driven means.

– He was arraigned before the Federal High Court.

These points, as presented by the Police, are now part of the public record and should be addressed within the confines of the judicial process.

Rather than allowing the courts to determine the issues, the state government’s public posture, particularly statements calling on the Inspector General of Police to intervene, creates an unfortunate impression of executive interference. In a constitutional system built on separation of powers, such actions risk undermining public confidence in both governance and law enforcement.

It bears emphasis that the Nigeria Police Force is a federal institution governed by law, not by political convenience. The Commissioner of Police in Osun State is not subject to directives from the state government in the conduct of criminal investigations. The Police are duty-bound to act on formal complaints, available evidence, and established legal procedures.

To its credit, the Osun State Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, impartiality, and respect for human rights. It has also stated that its actions are guided strictly by due process and not by political affiliation or influence. This clarification is essential and deserves to be evaluated objectively.

If the Adeleke administration is committed to democratic values, it should demonstrate confidence in the judicial system by allowing the courts to resolve the matter without pressure or commentary that could be construed as prejudicial. Freedom of expression remains a protected right, but it coexists with legal limits, including laws against defamation and malicious falsehood.

Ultimately, the people of Osun State deserve calm, responsible leadership and respect for institutions. Governance thrives where due process is protected, not where institutions are drawn into political contestation.

The principle remains clear and non-negotiable:

No individual or group is above the law, and no institution should be coerced for performing its constitutional duty.

The Police must be allowed to carry out their responsibilities independently. Public discourse must be guided by facts, not pressure. And Osun State must continue to uphold the rule of law as the foundation of democratic governance.

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*SALAM, a comrade, public analyst, and Chairman of the Integrity Group of Nigeria, Osun State Chapter.*