The Ondo State Police Command on Monday stated that it would not involve itself in chieftaincy-related issues but reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining law and order in all communities across the state.
The State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, made this statement during a press conference in Akure, the state capital. He emphasised that the police in the state should not be dragged into civil matters such as chieftaincy-related disputes.
Reacting to allegations against the police in a viral video, Afolabi clarified that the officers deployed to Idogun community acted professionally and did not steal phones, as claimed in the video.
He explained that the officers were deployed to maintain law and order after the community became riotous following the arrest and remand of one Jide Falade in prison custody over the traditional stool dispute in the area.
Addressing the circumstances surrounding the viral video, which alleged that one of the officers sent to restore peace in the community entered a phone shop and stole mobile phones, Afolabi described the claims as false and unfounded.
He dismissed the video as misleading, explaining that investigations revealed the supposed phone shop was actually a barber shop where officers typically charged their phones.
He stated: “My men are still in that community. People who know me very well know that I do not compromise. When I saw the video, I instructed that whosoever was involved should be arrested.
“The policemen were interrogated, and they said it was the shop they used to charge their phones. They never denied going there. They said they went there to collect their phones.
“I have not received any report about people claiming theft of their phones. There is no element of truth. If there is any report of phone theft, we will investigate.
“The poster might be a sympathiser of Falade. I urge the public to disregard whatever is being circulated. I see elements of someone who wants to be mischievous.
“As of the time of this briefing, no one has come forward to report that their phone shop was burgled,” Afolabi said, adding that the command has a zero-tolerance policy for indiscipline.
Providing background on the unrest in Idogun, Afolabi disclosed that the police had received reports concerning one Jide Falade, who claims to be a retired Navy captain who served in the American military.
“When I received information that Falade and his men had allegedly kidnapped individuals and seized their property, I dispatched the SWAT team to apprehend him. He was arrested and brought to Akure for investigation,” the CP explained.
Following the investigation, Falade was arraigned on ten counts and remanded at the Ondo Correctional Centre.
However, Afolabi noted that the arrest and detention of Falade sparked violent protests, with Falade’s supporters blocking roads and setting up bonfires.
“In the course of restoring order, one of our officers was attacked with a machete. Despite this provocation, I gave strict orders that my men must not use live ammunition. We applied minimal force, and no one was killed or injured,” Afolabi added.
The CP distanced the police from the ongoing chieftaincy crisis in Idogun but accused Falade of resorting to thuggery instead of following due process to challenge the community’s leadership.
“I advised him that if he had issues with the community ruler, he should approach the governor, the judiciary, or the House of Assembly rather than mobilising youths to take the law into their own hands,” he said.
Afolabi assured the public that the police would remain neutral and committed to maintaining law and order in the community.
“The police will not be drawn into mischief. An inspector cannot stoop so low as to steal a phone.
“This is simply an attempt by some individuals to be mischievous because their associate is being held accountable for his actions,” he stated.
He urged the public to disregard the viral video unless an official complaint is lodged.
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