Amotekun Operates Within The Bounds Of Law and Professional Conduct, Amotekun reply Osun APC

The attention of the Osun State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps) has been drawn to a reckless and unfounded press statement issued by the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the Corps of unlawful arrests, political persecution, and other baseless allegations.

The allegations, as presented by the APC through its Director of Media, Mr. Kola Olabisi, are not only misleading but also a deliberate attempt to discredit a security outfit that has consistently operated within its legal mandate to protect lives, property, and public peace in Osun State.

The claim that the Amotekun Corps is being used as a political tool to harass opposition members is patently false. Our operations are intelligence-led, non-partisan, and driven by the urgent need to address security threats in our communities. Alleged arrests in Itaapa were carried out in response to credible reports of unauthorized armed groups operating in the area under the guise of “community security,” an act which violates state law and poses a threat to public safety.

The Chiefs referenced in the APC’s press release were not “abducted” or unlawfully detained. They were invited and questioned based on verified intelligence. They were initially released on administrative bail and subsequently re-invited following new developments. The narrative being spun by the APC is an exaggeration meant to stir public sentiment and obscure the real issue: no individual, traditional or otherwise, is above the law.

The wild claim that Amotekun operates “a dingy underground cell” in Osogbo is nothing short of fiction. Our facilities are open to oversight by relevant authorities, and detainees’ rights are fully respected. In fact, several national and international observers have acknowledged our professionalism and community-centered approach to security.

We strongly reject the defamatory remarks that Amotekun recruits cultists, criminals or thugs. Our recruitment process includes background checks in partnership with statutory security agencies. We are proud to say that Osun Amotekun is composed of disciplined, well-trained, and community-trusted personnel, many of whom are ex-service members with clean records.

Under the newly amended law, Amotekun is now authorized to prosecute cases through the office of the State Attorney General, The Corps functions strictly within the mandate provided by the Osun State Security Network Agency Law.

It is regrettable that the Osun APC would choose to politicize security matters at the expense of the safety of the people. Amotekun remains focused on its mandate and refuses to be distracted by political propaganda. The Corps will not fold its arms while individuals, regardless of political affiliation or social status, engage in acts capable of breaching public peace.

We welcome constructive criticism and are always open to oversight by regulatory bodies and human rights agencies. However, we will not tolerate defamation and reckless politicking that endangers the peace we are working hard to protect.

We urge members of the public to disregard the inflammatory and unsubstantiated claims made by the Osun APC. Osun Amotekun remains a non-partisan, law-abiding, and people-driven security outfit committed to safeguarding all residents of the state—irrespective of political leaning.

Signed:

Yusuf Idowu Abass 

Public Relations Officer 

Osun Amotekun Corps