Oyo State Police Command has reacted to viral video of some police officers who were attempting to arrest a traditional religion practitioner, Tani Olohun in Ibadan, the state capital on Tuesday.
The Command issued the statement in reaction to controversies over a viral video in which some armed men in mufti were seen struggling to take away Tani Olohun in his home in Ibadan on Tuesday morning.
However, Tani Olohun resisted attempt to take him into the vehicle brought by the men with the help of the people in his community who also raised alarm.
Members of the community had also raised alarm, with some describing the men as bandits.
It was gathered that the men eventually abandoned their mission of abducting Tani Olohun to Ilorin following the intervention of Yoruba activist, Sunday Igboho, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Oyo governor and Olubadan of Ibadan.
However, in a statement released by its spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka on Tuesday evening, Oyo Police Command said the armed men in the viral video were indeed from Kwara State Police Command.
Olayinka also confirmed that they were in Ibadan on official duty to effect the arrest of one Mr. Tani Olohun based on an arrest warrant issued by the Upper Ilorin Magistrates’ Court, Ilorin.
He added that the warrant of arrest was issued in connection with allegations bordering on conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.
According to the Oyo Police Command spokesperson, the warrant was issued following the failure of the said Tani Olohun to honour the conditions of bail earlier granted to him, thereby prompting the court to order his arrest.
However, Olayinka said upon receipts of the upon receipt of the report, Oyo Police Commissioner directed the officers to return back to their base.
The Commissioner, according to the spokesperson, also advised the complainant to approach the appropriate court in Ibadan, being the alleged place where the offence was committed, in accordance with due process and the principles of territorial jurisdiction.
“The Oyo State Police Command therefore urges members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding and to refrain from actions capable of disturbing the peace or escalating the situation. “The Command remains committed to upholding the rule of law, protecting lives and property, and ensuring that all complaints are handled professionally and in accordance with extant laws.
