Ondo Police Command Says Arrested Protesters Are Suspected Cultists

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Police Command has said some of the protesters arrested on Saturday in Akure are suspected cult members and fraudsters.

The Command clarified on Sunday that the suspects wore caps with insignia on the beret of resemblance to that of the Aye Confraternity, which attracted members and rival groups.

Among those arrested and still being held, is the governorship candidate of African Action Congress (AAC) in the forthcoming November 16, 2024 election in the state, Kunle Ajayi.

In a statement signed by the command’s spokesperson, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya also accused the suspects of breaching laid down guidelines for the protest.

“On August 9, 2024 at about 1730hrs, a letter of request was received by the office of the Commissioner of Police from a group codenamed  ‘Take it back’ of its intention to stage a peaceful protest on August 10, 2024. The letter sought among others for Police presence and the approval of a location suitable for the gathering.

“The Commissioner of Police promptly approved Arcade Arena for the gathering and equally directed that the approval information should be communicated to the applicant through a designated phone number on the letter.

“In demonstration of good faith and the Command’s belief in the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful protest and assembly, the CP directed the deployment of  Police presence in the Arcade arena, securing the arena as early as 0600HRS of 10/08/2024, awaiting the arrival of the group.

“Surprisingly, about 0900hrs of 10th August, 2024 information was received of the presence of some placard carrying individuals numbering about 10 at the NEPA Roundabout.

“The police detachment with other security agencies deployed to the NEPA Roundabout because of the commercial activities of the area approached the group and informed them to proceed to Acrade Arena approved for them. They initially resisted but were persuaded by the Police with the promise to escort them as directed by the Commissioner of Police.

“It is worthy to mention that the group of 10 grudgingly accepted to go however, between NEPA Roundabout and Officers Mess the number swelled to about 50.

“Physical and intelligence assessment of the increasing crowd suggested the infiltration of malicious elements as efforts by the police team on ground to prevent these intruders resulted into the protesters becoming unruly.

“Additionally Passionate plea by the security forces to the protesters to move out of the road and allow free flow of traffic was rebuffed making the situation shy of a peaceful protest as right of other citizens were being infringed upon.

“As a responsible agency charged with maintenance of law and order, and for the safety of the protesters, toxic members of the group were moved to the State Criminal Investigations Department for onward assessment as to  what could have triggered the infiltration of Ill-intended individuals into the protest.

“Investigations later revealed  that the insignia on the beret of the Protesters had a resounding resemblance to that of the Aye Confraternity which attracted members and rival groups, on the heels of the above, further investigations suggested that certain members of the protesting group were suspectedly into Cultism and Cyber crime activities.

“The Command wishes  to categorically emphasize that contrary to the misguided narrative, purported by some agents of mischief to discredit and give political coloration to the effort of the Command in ensuring the safety and security of lives and property of residents, it’s disposition was without any Political prompting and to stress that the  arrest were made based on security assessment of the situation and the obvious  emergence of violence.

“In furtherance, The high-profile nature of some of the arrested suspects poses a significant security threat to the state and Nigeria at large. Therefore, the Command  seeks the cooperation and support of residents and indigenes as the state  move towards electioneering campaigns for upcoming gubernatorial elections

“While reaffirming The Command’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, maintaining professionalism, and respecting human rights in the discharge of our statutory duties. We also urge the good people of the state to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly.

“The arrested persons are being profiled in line with emerging facts and will soon be arraigned on conclusion of investigation.”