Community raises the alarm over alleged plans to release wanted thug in Osun
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo
An Ede pressure group, Makuarogun Alliance has warned against alleged plans to release a suspected thug in the town, Rasheed Hammed, popularly called Oko-Ilu, hours after he was arrested during a gun duel with the police.
Hammed, who was declared wanted about four months ago by the State Police Command over alleged murder, armed robbery, kidnapping among others, was arrested on Saturday night at a hotel, in Osogbo, Osun State capital.
He was alleged to have been terrorising Ede and its environs over the years.
In a statement on Sunday, signed by its Coordinator, Ayinla Ajala, the group frowned at the reported plans to release the suspected thug, alleging that Governor Gboyega Oyetola has been mounting pressure on police authorities on the matter.
The statement reads: “Why our governor is protecting murderers and hoodlums is still a puzzle to the citizens. From Asiri Eniba to Oko Ilu to Elemo, our governor is nurturing law breakers responsible for insecurity across the state.
“Any attempt to release a murder suspect who also openly attempted to assassinate our king will be resisted by the people of Ede. This is not about politics. It is about our town and security of lives and properties.
“We are aware that Oko ilu was always in the governor’s convoy even after he was declared wanted. We know he followed the governor to the BBC debate. We know APC leaders harbour and use him. We are shocked that the governor is also harbouring Tunde Elemo who attacked House Minority leader’s father whose whereabouts is still unknown.
“It is surprising that up till now, the police has not issued any statement on the incident. The governor has not deemed it fit to intervene so that the legislator’s father can be rescued. Worst still Elemo, the main suspect is allegedly relaxing under the governor’s care.
“We want to appeal to the police authorities locally and nationally as well as all men and women of goodwill to be aware of the unfolding event. A suspect declared wanted by the police and arrested after a gun duel is allegedly about to be released.
“This must not happen as it will not only compromise the integrity of law enforcement but will also make the governor and the police accomplices in the documented crimes committed by the suspect.”
