The Nigeria Police Force said on Thursday that its operatives deployed for the Osun rerun election, while on stop and search duties in Orolu community arrested 16 persons in a vehicle with PDP membership cards, INEC tags, jackets and face caps noting they were using same to have access to restricted areas.
The Police debunked reports that the persons arrested were some accredited INEC Observers, who were also denied access to polling units.
A statement by SP Folasade Odoro, Police Public Relations Officer to Deputy Inspector-General of Police and Supervising DIG for Osun 2018
Gubernatorial Election, DIG Joshak Habila said Police is resolved to ensure adequate security, free and fair rerun.
The statement reads, “The Nigerian Police Force in its continued efforts to discharging its responsibilities of ensuring the peaceful conclusion of Osun 2018 Gubernatorial Election, that was declared inconclusive by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in which Thursday 27th September, 2018 was fixed for the re-run in the Seven (7) Polling units.
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“Police team on stop and search duties at Orolu; intercepted vehicles with sixteen persons on board in possession of customized INEC tags, face cap and jackets with the inscription of ‘INEC Osun 2018 Election Observer’ and PDP membership cards.
“The suspects are using the items to have easy access to restricted areas meant for personnel with due accreditation.
“The Nigeria Police Force whishes to debunk report that some accredited INEC Observers were arrested or denied access to polling units.
“Therefore, assuring the good people of Osun State and other critical stakeholders of its renewed commitment and resolve to ensure adequate security for a free and fair re-run election while investigation continues.
The Police listed the 16 suspects arrested as Moshood Adejare – People’s Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives aspirant in Orolu Federal Constituency, Oyelayo Dayo – PDP member Orolu LGA, and Olaoye Asimi – PDP member Orolu LGA, and Raimi Taofeeq – secretary, PDP Orolu LGA.
Others are Gbenga Olapade, Charles Amibiogoiu, Ayomide Ayansola, Kayode Dada, Daramola Segun, Tunji Akinroyinmi, Kunle Adedeji, Habeeb Bahiru, Yisa Sodiq, Adeolu Bamijoko, Oladipo Samson, and Adeolu Bamidele.
END