The Imole Campaign Council has called for an investigation into the reported arrest and subsequent release of an All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly candidate allegedly found with a firearm in Ifewara, Osun State.
The candidate, Babatunde Festus Komolafe, popularly known as BFK, is seeking election on the APC platform to represent Atakumosa East/West State Constituency.
The campaign council, in a statement issued on Friday by its spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, said Komolafe was arrested on Thursday by personnel of the Nigerian Navy during a search operation in his hometown.
According to the statement, the APC candidate was travelling in a campaign vehicle with some supporters when naval personnel allegedly discovered a gun in the vehicle.
The council said footage of the arrest later circulated on social media, making the incident a subject of public discussion.
It, however, alleged that Komolafe and the other persons arrested with him were released shortly afterwards following pressure allegedly mounted by senior APC members.
The council described the reported development as troubling, particularly at a time when political parties and security agencies are working to prevent violence ahead of the Osun governorship election.
It also claimed that a report had emerged alleging that the naval officer responsible for the operation was compelled to release the suspects and was subsequently asked to step aside.
While expressing concern over the alleged interference, the Imole Campaign Council praised the Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly the Navy, for what it described as professional and impartial conduct during the election campaign.
"The Imole Campaign Council commends the men and officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces, especially the Nigerian Navy, for their neutrality and professionalism since the commencement of the governorship election campaigns," the statement said.
The council said security personnel had demonstrated willingness to act against suspected troublemakers regardless of their political affiliations.
It nevertheless warned that the release of anyone allegedly arrested with an unauthorised firearm could have serious implications for public safety.
According to the council, allowing such suspects to walk free without proper investigation could encourage political violence and undermine public confidence in the security agencies.
The group also referred to an earlier incident in Ile-Ife, alleging that naval personnel had arrested five APC supporters, including a man identified as Asiri Eniba, over alleged possession and use of pump-action guns.
It further alleged that police personnel later intervened in the matter to secure the release of those arrested.
The campaign council urged the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to examine the circumstances surrounding Komolafe's arrest and reported release.
It demanded that anyone found culpable should face the appropriate legal consequences, regardless of political status or affiliation.
The council said political actors must not be allowed to operate outside the law, particularly during an election period when heightened tensions could easily escalate into violence.
"No politician is above the law, and no political thug should be released to keep fomenting trouble," it said.
Leave a Reply