Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has declared that no individual, including members of his family, should be spared from prosecution if found guilty of committing a crime.
The governor made the statement on Friday while receiving the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Osogbo.
His remarks followed allegations by the Inspector-General that the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, had informed him that some criminal suspects wanted by the police were allegedly taking refuge within the Government House.
Responding to the allegation, Adeleke firmly denied harbouring criminals and maintained that his administration has zero tolerance for criminality.
“If you see any of my people that committed a crime, arrest them. If it is my son who committed a crime, arrest him, let him learn his lesson, and that is what I am saying in front of the IGP,” the governor said.
Adeleke stressed that no one should be protected from the law because of political connections or family ties, urging security agencies to carry out their responsibilities without fear or favour.
While reaffirming his support for law enforcement agencies, the governor also accused some police officers of acting unprofessionally in the discharge of their duties.
He cited the alleged transfer of a police officer who arrested a suspect linked to the killing of a 14-year-old boy in Ilobu, questioning the rationale behind the officer’s redeployment.
“But for you to be playing all these games and everything like that, the person that they killed, a 14-year-old boy in Ilobu, because the police officer did a good job under the directive of the Inspector General of Police and arrested the suspect that killed the boy, you transferred the officer,” Adeleke stated.
Despite his concerns, the governor commended Inspector-General Olatunji Disu for his commitment to discipline and professionalism within the Nigeria Police Force.
He urged officers to remain impartial in enforcing the law and expressed confidence that the police leadership would continue to uphold accountability.
“I am glad the Inspector General of Police is here today, and he has said it openly that he will not tolerate any act of indiscipline, and he has given you a warning that you will not tolerate crime. That is why I am happy,” Adeleke added.