Osun APC Demands Arrest Of Senate Deputy Minority Leader, Oyewumi Over Alleged Links To Ikire Killings | Sahara Reporters
The council alleged that the victims were killed after known associates and thugs linked to Senator Oyewumi allegedly disarmed a police officer on duty and used his rifle to fire shots.
The Osun State Governorship Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to immediately arrest and investigate Senator Lere Oyewumi, accusing the Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate of complicity in political killings and violence in the state.
The APC campaign council made the demand in a statement issued on Friday and signed by its Head of Media and Publicity Committee, Oluremi Omowaiye, following the recent killing of two persons at Naira and Kobo Junction in Ikire, Osun State
The council alleged that the victims were killed after known associates and thugs linked to Senator Oyewumi allegedly disarmed a police officer on duty and used his rifle to fire shots.
It said the briefing by the Osun State Commissioner of Police and the alleged confessions of suspects arrested over the incident had strengthened its previous allegations concerning the senator’s alleged involvement in political violence
“We are particularly concerned that the facts emerging from the investigation into the Ikire killings are consistent with the warnings our party has issued about the activities of violent political elements operating under the influence and protection of Senator Lere Oyewumi,” Omowaiye stated
“The confession of arrested suspects and the briefing by the Commissioner of Police have now brought the matter into sharper focus.
“We therefore call on the IGP, Rilwan Disu, to immediately arrest and thoroughly investigate Senator Lere Oyewumi. His status as a serving senator must not confer immunity from criminal investigation where credible allegations have been made.”
The APC council also linked Oyewumi to the murder of Remi Abass, a prominent APC chieftain and former Chairman of Irewole Local Government, who was killed within the premises of the Irewole Local Government Secretariat last year.
According to the party, one of the issues requiring fresh investigation is an allegation that a rifle belonging to a security operative attached to Abass was taken from the officer on the day of the assassination and later returned to a police station by Oyewumi.
“How did the rifle get to Senator Oyewumi?” the council asked.
It also alleged that substantial sums of money were provided by Oyewumi to security personnel to compromise investigations into Abass’ murder.
The council further recalled the arrest of Jide Joda, described as a loyalist and political appointee of the governor, over the murder.
It said Joda was later granted bail and allegedly jumped bail, resulting in his declaration as wanted by the police.
“It is strange that the police have not been able to arrest Jide Joda,” it said.
The APC campaign council also identified one Ayẹwo as the alleged person who fired the shots that killed the two victims at Naira and Kobo Junction.
It claimed Ayẹwo had been linked to previous incidents of political violence and assassinations in Osun State, including the killing of Saheed Oyegunju, Ward 9 Treasurer of the APC in Irewole.
The council urged the police to investigate the allegations and determine Ayẹwo’s possible connection to the incidents.
It further accused Senator Oyewumi of allegedly using his position and influence at the National Assembly to evade arrest and prosecution over allegations of political violence.
The APC campaign council said political office should not shield anyone from criminal investigation.
“The IGP must act professionally, independently and in accordance with the law. Senator Lere Oyewumi is a senator, not a sacred cow. His membership of the National Assembly does not place him above the law,” it said.
“The IGP must prove that there are no untouchable Nigerians when credible allegations of murder and violent crimes are involved.”