Adeleke crime arrest order took centre stage on Friday as Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke declared that security agencies should arrest anyone found guilty of criminal acts, including members of his own family, while rejecting allegations that criminals are being protected inside the Government House in Osogbo.
The governor made the remarks during a courtesy visit by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to the Government House in Osogbo. His response followed claims by the IGP that the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, had informed him that some suspects wanted by the police were allegedly taking refuge within the Government House.
Responding to the allegation, Adeleke dismissed suggestions that his administration shields criminal suspects and insisted that no individual should be above the law.
“If you see any of my people that committed a crime, arrest them. If it is my son who committed a crime, arrest him, let him learn his lesson, and that is what I am saying in front of the IGP,” the governor said.
The Adeleke crime arrest order also included criticism of what he described as unprofessional conduct by some police officers. He alleged that an officer who arrested a suspect linked to the killing of a 14-year-old boy in Ilobu was later transferred despite carrying out his duties.
“But for you to be playing all these games and everything like that, the person that they killed, a 14-year-old boy in Ilobu, because the police officer did a good job under the directive of the Inspector General of Police and arrested the suspect that killed the boy, you transferred the officer,” Adeleke stated.
The governor, however, welcomed the IGP’s commitment to tackling indiscipline within the Nigeria Police Force and called for fairness and professionalism in law enforcement. “I am glad the Inspector General of Police is here today, and he has said it openly that he will not tolerate any act of indiscipline, and he has given you a warning that you will not tolerate crime. That is why I am happy,” he said.
He added, “If you change tomorrow, I will continue to cooperate with the police. Police is our friend. We are not fighting the police, but you have to do right.”
The Adeleke crime arrest order comes amid heightened concerns over security and politically related violence in Osun State. The governor’s comments emphasise support for law enforcement while calling for accountability, impartial policing and equal application of the law regardless of status or political affiliation.
The Adeleke crime arrest order underscores the governor’s position that criminal offences should be handled without favouritism. He maintained that his administration remains willing to work with security agencies, provided policing is carried out professionally, fairly and within the rule of law.
