Osogbo, Osun State, October 25, 2024 — The Osun State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has raised serious allegations against the police following an incident involving the physical assault and detention of one of its personnel. In a detailed statement released by ASC Kehinde Adeleke, the NSCDC’s Public Relations Officer, the Corps condemned the actions of the police, describing them as “barbaric” and alleging a pattern of brutality and intimidation.
According to the NSCDC, the incident began on Tuesday evening, October 22, when individuals, allegedly police officers dressed in Ankara attire and jackets, arrived at Elizabeth Estate, Osogbo, in a private Sienna vehicle. The NSCDC personnel on duty requested proper identification, which the individuals reportedly failed to provide. This led to a standoff, and, unable to establish their identity, the individuals left the estate.
The situation took a disturbing turn the following morning when, as per the NSCDC’s statement, around twenty police officers returned to the estate. The statement alleges that the officers forcefully entered the property, physically assaulted an NSCDC officer, inflicted severe injuries, tore his uniform, disarmed, handcuffed, and detained him. Video evidence purportedly showing the altercation is attached to the NSCDC’s press release.
The Commandant of the NSCDC, Dr. Michael Adaralewa, reportedly attempted to resolve the issue by sending senior officers to engage with the Police Headquarters. However, according to the statement, the police refused to release the detained officer, justifying his detention with what the NSCDC described as “baseless allegations” of tire deflation. The Corps reported inconsistencies in the police’s account, such as their inability to confirm if the vehicle’s tires had been repaired or if the vehicle had been towed, raising questions about the credibility of the allegations.
Despite assurances that the NSCDC officer would be released upon confirmation of his identity, the detained officer remained in custody until Friday, October 25, enduring what the NSCDC described as further “humiliating treatment.”
In light of these events, Dr. Adaralewa has called for an independent investigation, demanding that all individuals involved be held accountable. “We demand there should be no sacred cow in this matter, and we are not going to allow it to be swept under the rug,” the Commandant asserted, emphasizing the Corps’ intent to pursue justice.
The NSCDC’s accusations have triggered public outcry, with many questioning the level of professionalism within Nigeria’s security forces and calling for urgent reforms to prevent inter-agency conflicts from escalating in ways that compromise public safety. The Osun State Police Command is yet to respond to these recent allegations, leaving tensions high as the NSCDC and the public await further clarification.
PRESS RELEASE
25th October, 2024
REPORT ON THE INCIDENT OF POLICE BRUTALITY, ASSAULT, AND ILLEGAL DETENTION OF NSCDC PERSONNEL IN POLICE CUSTODY IN OSUN STATE
A disturbing incident of severe police brutality occurred on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, around 8:00 p.m. at Elizabeth Estate in Osogbo, Osun State, when a group of individuals claiming to be police officers arrived in “ANKARA” attire with only jackets over their clothing. These individuals recklessly drove into the estate using a private Sienna vehicle and entered the estate, which is secured by the personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun State Command, in an attempt to arrest a suspect.
The NSCDC personnel on duty, acting as trained officers, requested means of identification from these individuals, who claimed to be police officers. However, they failed to provide any form of identification and resorted instead to intimidation. When they could not establish their identity, they left the premises.
The situation escalated the following day, Wednesday, October 23, 2024, when a group of about twenty police officers returned to the estate. They physically assaulted one of the NSCDC personnel, inflicting grievous bodily harm. The officer’s uniform was torn, and he was brutalized beyond description, disarmed, handcuffed like a common criminal, and forcefully taken to the Ataoja Division before being moved to the Police State Headquarters. A video of the incident is attached to this statement.
In an effort to resolve the issue amicably, the Commandant of NSCDC, Osun State Command, Dr. Michael Adaralewa, sent a team of senior officers to visit the Police Headquarters. However, the police refused to release the detained NSCDC personnel, presenting baseless allegations that NSCDC personnel had deflated the tires of their vehicle. When the team inquired if the same vehicle was still at the scene, they answered negatively. When asked whether a vulcanizer had fixed the tires, the police responded with “no.” Further inquiry revealed that the vehicle had not been towed. The question remains: how did the vehicle used by the police officers leave the scene?
Despite assurances by the police that the NSCDC personnel would be released immediately once his identity was confirmed, the officer remained in detention. A confirmation letter was promptly delivered to the Police State Headquarters, yet the officer was not released until this afternoon, Friday, October 25th. He reportedly endured further humiliating treatment while in police custody.
The Osun NSCDC Commandant, Dr. Michael Adaralewa, has called for a thorough investigation into this matter and demands that all perpetrators be held accountable. “We demand there should be no sacred cow in this matter, and we are not going to allow it to be swept under the rug,” he stated.
E Signed
ASC Kehinde Adeleke
CDPRO
Osun State Command
