The Osun State Police Command has arrested Adedeji Saheed Opeyemi following a gun duel that left three officers injured. The incident occurred on Monday at about 5:30 p.m. in the Oke-Ijetu area of Osogbo, after police responded to a distress call about sporadic shooting by a group of armed men believed to be linked to a faction of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) loyal to Wakili Alowonle. Police Public Relations Officer Abiodun Ojelabi said officers from the Anti-Robbery and Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) were attacked upon arrival, resulting in gunshot injuries to three operatives who are now receiving treatment in hospital.
Opeyemi, during interrogation, admitted he was given a pump-action gun by a man named Sibi, who had received instructions from Alowonle to meet at Oke-Ijetu. He stated that five individuals were armed, though he claimed he did not fire. Opeyemi said Alowonle had directed members via phone not to initiate violence but to remain alert pending directives from the governor. The suspect also claimed he surrendered his weapon to police, stating he would not fight the government. Police confirmed they are investigating to apprehend others still at large.
In separate operations, police arrested three motorcycle snatching suspects—Kamarudeen Babatunde, 39, Lekan Usman, 22, and receiver Moses Oyebade, 40—after a Bajaj motorcycle with registration MEK 987 VU was reported snatched on July 19, 2026, in Osunjela. The bike was recovered in Modakeke by 9:30 a.m. the same day. Two suspected political thugs, Alawode Ridwan, 26, and Ajibade Ahmed, 33, were also arrested on July 16, 2026, for causing mayhem in Amadia, Osogbo. All suspects remain in custody pending charges.
A suspect claims he was told by NURTW faction leader Wakili Alowonle to stay alert but not fight unless the governor gives orders, yet police say the group opened fire on officers. This contradiction raises questions about who actually directed the violence and whether Alowonle's authority was followed or bypassed. The outcome may hinge on whether the investigation confirms if orders were disobeyed or misrepresented.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Full disclaimer →
