Fresh Twist: Adeleke Alleges 60 Accord Supporters Were Transferred To Abuja, Nasarawa Custody

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has alleged that more than 60 members of the Accord Party arrested in the state were transferred to correctional facilities in Abuja and Nasarawa State ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

Adeleke made the allegation on Thursday while speaking at a peace summit in Osogbo, where he accused security authorities of intimidation and claimed that political tensions had intensified in the state in recent months.

In a statement posted on his official X account, the governor alleged that his administration and supporters had been subjected to sustained attacks, accusing the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, of being behind the violence.

“I should have boycotted this peace meeting because of the violence unleashed on Osun State over the past few months. While we have gathered to promote peace, my government and supporters continue to face what I consider police-backed intimidation and violence,” Adeleke said.

Alleges Transfer of Detainees

The governor further claimed that more than 60 Accord Party leaders, including a former House of Representatives candidate identified as Hon. Alaba, were moved to correctional facilities outside Osun State after their arrest.

Questioning the decision, Adeleke argued that the state has both Federal and State High Courts capable of handling any criminal proceedings.

He called on the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that those in custody are returned to Osun State if there is sufficient evidence to prosecute them.

“If any of those arrested committed an offence, they should be brought back to Osun and arraigned before the appropriate courts here,” he said.

Criticises Arrest of SSG

Adeleke also condemned the arrest of the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, describing the allegations against him as politically motivated.

The governor alleged that police officers raided the SSG’s residence without presenting a valid search warrant and claimed that the operation was part of a broader campaign of political intimidation.

He further alleged that eight members of his party had been killed in recent attacks, while more than 20 others sustained injuries, accusing known political thugs of carrying out the attacks without facing prosecution.

Adeleke appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and caution relevant political and security officials against actions that could heighten tension ahead of the governorship election, while urging all stakeholders to ensure a peaceful electoral process.

Police Confirm Arrest, Ongoing Investigation

The governor’s remarks followed the arrest of the Secretary to the State Government and five other individuals by the Osun State Police Command over allegations of vote-buying and other suspected electoral offences.

According to the police, officers recovered ₦4.8 million in cash, a voter register, Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), a laptop, a photocopy machine and a printer during the operation.

The command said investigations into the case are ongoing.