Residents Demand Justice, Probe of DPO CSP Oluwole Adebayo and His Officers
Tension is mounting in Ipetu Ijesa, the second-largest town in Ijesa land, as members of the community, under the umbrella of the Ipetu Ijesa Progressive, Elders and Youth Movement, have submitted a strongly worded petition to the Osun State Commissioner of Police, the Police Service Commission (PSC), and other relevant authorities, accusing the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), CSP Oluwole Adebayo, and his officers of gross misconduct, abuse of power, and extortion.
According to the petition obtained by our correspondent, the residents allege that a late-night police raid carried out between 10:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 3, 2025, during the town’s market day, led to the arrest of over 40 individuals. Eyewitnesses claim that many of those arrested were innocent residents engaged in routine activities, including those returning from businesses, sitting outside their homes, or attending a bachelor’s night event.
“There was no prior warning, no identified security threat, and certainly no justifiable cause for such a raid. It was completely unprovoked and has left our community in fear,” the petition states.
The residents further allege that the police demanded illegal bail fees of ₦20,000 from those arrested. While some were able to secure their release, others who could not afford the fee remain in custody, with no formal charges filed against them.
The situation escalated further on Friday, April 4, when another group of individuals mostly guests at a bachelor’s night celebration were reportedly arrested without cause and similarly subjected to extortion.
“The DPO and his officers have turned the police station into a revenue-generating center through the illegal collection of bail fees,” the petition alleges. “This is a clear violation of the Police Act and the fundamental rights of citizens.”
The movement also raised alarm over the long tenure of some officers at the Ipetu Ijesa Divisional Police Headquarters, claiming that many have served for over 20 years contrary to police service regulations. They allege that this prolonged stay has fostered a culture of impunity, with officers enriching themselves through extortion.
“It is an open secret that some officers, including the DPO, are living lifestyles far beyond their means building mansions and flaunting wealth that cannot be explained by their official salaries,” the group stated.
Community’s Demands
In their petition, the residents called for immediate action from the Police Service Commission, the Osun State Government, and other relevant agencies. Their demands include:
- A full investigation into the April 3–4 raids and arbitrary arrests, with disciplinary action taken against any officers found culpable.
- Immediate release of all unlawfully detained individuals.
- Compensation for victims who paid illegal bail fees or suffered business losses.
- Sanctions against corrupt officers, including prosecution for financial crimes and abuse of power.
- Reform of the police division, including regular officer rotation and the enforcement of ethical policing standards.
The petition ends with a passionate plea:
“We are no longer safe in our own town. The police have become a source of terror rather than protection. We demand justice, accountability, and the restoration of peace in Ipetu Ijesa.”
Efforts to reach CSP Oluwole Adebayo for comment as of the time of filing this report were unsuccessful.
