In a dramatic turn of events, armed thugs allegedly loyal to the injured Chairman of the Osun State Transport Management System (OSTMS), Nurudeen Iyanda Alowonle, ambushed police officers on Monday night to thwart his arrest, a high-ranking police source has disclosed.
Alowonle, appointed by Governor Ademola Adeleke to oversee the state transport agency, was reportedly apprehended by police at the Oke-Baale area of Osogbo in possession of a pistol and live ammunition. His arrest followed allegations of attempted murder, murder, kidnapping, and illegal possession of firearms.
According to the source, who requested anonymity due to lack of authorization to speak publicly on the matter, the situation escalated after Alowonle attempted to evade police custody with the help of armed thugs.
The police received a petition that Alowonle had threatened to kill some individuals over a domestic dispute, and he had allegedly vowed to unleash thugs on them. “Based on these serious allegations, the police invited him for questioning, but he refused to cooperate,” the source stated.
He added that police intelligence led to Alowonle’s initial arrest at the Ring Road area of Osogbo. However, armed thugs ambushed the officers, enabling the OSTMS Chairman to escape while still in handcuffs.
The police reorganized and eventually tracked him down at Oke-Baale after a fierce gun battle. He was driving an unregistered Highlander SUV, accompanied by nine others in a Toyota Hummer bus, Nissan Almera, and Sienna Space Bus. All suspects were arrested, and the vehicles impounded. A British Beretta pistol, six rounds of 9mm ammunition, and an expended shell were recovered from his car.”
The source further revealed that Alowonle attempted to escape once more while in custody, prompting officers to shoot him to prevent his flight.
“The police remain committed to enforcing the law and maintaining peace in Osun State. We acted professionally and within the limits of the law. All other claims are baseless. The case has now been transferred to Abuja, and we await further directives from the Inspector General of Police,” the source said, urging the public to remain calm.
During the operation, police impounded several vehicles, including the Toyota Hummer bus, Nissan Almera, and Sienna Space Bus, used by Alowonle’s alleged accomplices.
Meanwhile, public outcry has grown for an impartial and thorough investigation to ensure justice is served. Citizens have raised concerns about the state’s ability to uphold law and order amid these troubling developments.
