Reported by: Althiea .P | Edited by: Bornet .k
The Osun State Police Command has declared five individuals, including Dauda Olamilekan, popularly known as “Emir,” wanted over allegations of involvement in political violence, thuggery and attacks linked to rising tensions ahead of the 2026 Osun State governorship election.
The police announcement was made in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, through a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, who said the suspects were identified through intelligence-led investigations into cases of violence recorded across the state.
According to the police, those declared wanted include Dauda Olamilekan alias Emir, Taoreed also known as Small Rugged, Adetunji Kamoru Olatunde, Saka Afees popularly called Terror, and Adeyemi Saheed. The command accused the individuals of being linked to activities involving killings, assaults and other violent crimes.
DSP Ojelabi said the suspects were allegedly identified as key figures behind what the command described as an increasing wave of political violence and criminal activities in the state. He urged members of the public with useful information about their whereabouts to assist security agencies in locating them.
“The command wants to declare the suspects wanted for various offences,” the police spokesperson said, adding that security operatives were already working to apprehend them and bring them before the appropriate authorities.
The police action comes amid heightened political activities in Osun State as political parties prepare for the forthcoming governorship election scheduled for 2026. The state has witnessed increased competition among political actors, with security agencies warning against the use of violence during campaigns and electoral activities.
Recent incidents have increased concerns among residents and stakeholders over political-related violence. Several deaths have been reported in different parts of the state, including the killing of Olapade Ezekiel, a teenager from Ilobu, as well as other reported victims including Comrade Abdullateef Olamilekan, Kazeem Akande, Ajayi Aderogba in Esa-Oke, and Eluyera in Ikire.
The police said the latest operation was part of broader efforts to prevent violence and maintain public order before, during and after the election period. Authorities have repeatedly warned political groups, supporters and individuals against engaging in acts capable of threatening peace and democratic processes.
The development also comes amid controversy surrounding activities of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Osun State. The state government recently suspended the activities of the union following clashes between rival factions, while the national leadership of the union rejected the decision and inaugurated a caretaker committee to oversee its affairs in the state.
The NURTW national leadership, led by Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, argued that the state government lacked the legal authority to suspend the union’s operations. The union said the caretaker committee was established to restore leadership stability amid the crisis.
The clashes involving rival factions of the transport union reportedly heightened security concerns in Osogbo after a protest degenerated into violence, with reports of gunshots causing panic among residents. The state government said its action was aimed at restoring peace and preventing further breakdown of law and order.
Political observers have warned that violence remains one of the biggest threats to credible elections in Nigeria, particularly during periods of intense competition. They have called on security agencies to act impartially and ensure that all political actors operate within the limits of the law.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has previously warned against political violence and pledged that the Nigeria Police Force would take decisive action against individuals involved in acts capable of undermining electoral security.
The Osun Police Command has assured residents that investigations into cases of violence will continue and that anyone found culpable will face prosecution according to Nigerian law.
As political activities intensify ahead of the 2026 governorship election, security agencies, political parties and civil society groups are expected to increase efforts aimed at ensuring a peaceful electoral environment.
The police declaration of the five suspects marks another major security intervention in Osun State as authorities attempt to prevent criminal elements from influencing the political process through intimidation, violence or fear.
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