Arrest My Son If He Commits a Crime – Osun State Governor Adeleke Tells Police

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has declared that he will not protect anyone found guilty of criminal activity, insisting that the law should take its course even if the offender is a member of his own family.

The governor made the remarks on Friday while receiving the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Osogbo.

His comments followed allegations raised by the Inspector-General that the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, had informed him that some criminal suspects wanted by the police were allegedly taking refuge within the Government House.

Responding to the claim, Adeleke firmly denied harbouring any criminal suspects and maintained that his administration has zero tolerance for crime. He urged security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone found to have broken the law, regardless of their status or relationship to him.

“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.

Adeleke also reaffirmed his support for law enforcement but criticised what he described as unprofessional conduct by some police officers.

He cited the alleged transfer of a police officer who arrested a suspect linked to the killing of a 14-year-old boy in Ilobu, questioning the decision despite the officer carrying out his duties under the directive of the Inspector-General.

“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 said.

The governor, however, commended the Inspector-General for his commitment to tackling indiscipline within the Nigeria Police Force and expressed confidence in his efforts to promote professionalism and accountability.

“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,” Adeleke added.