The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Wakili-Nurudeen Iyanda, also known as Alowonle, the head of the Osun State Park Management System (OSTMS), for allegedly being in possession of police-issued arms and ammunition . According to Deputy Police Spokesperson Emmanuel Giwa-Alade, Iyanda was arrested along with nine other suspects on Ring Road in Osogbo following a tip-off received by the command.
During the arrest, the police recovered a Barrett pistol, six 9mm live rounds, and an empty expanded cartridge from Iyanda’s unregistered Toyota Highlander. Additional items seized included a Hummer bus, an unregistered Nissan Almera, and a Toyota Sienna.
However, controversy surrounds the arrest, with OSTMS Secretary Mikaela Popoola accusing the police of attempted murder, alleging that Iyanda was shot while in custody under questionable circumstances. Osun’s Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, also condemned the incident, calling it a premeditated attempt on Iyanda’s life and seeking the immediate arrest and prosecution of Moses Lohor, the head of the anti-kidnapping squad.
Iyanda is currently receiving treatment at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital (UNIOSUN) in Osogbo after sustaining injuries during the arrest. The incident has sparked tensions, with allegations of police harassment against state government officials. The commissioner has called for action from the National Security Adviser and the Inspector-General of Police to ensure peace in Osun ahead of the 2026 elections.
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