The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the state Police Command not to release the eight thugs reportedly arrested at the presidential rally of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state on Thursday.

The Osun PDP while commending the command for the arrest enjoined the state Commissioner of Police to parade and charge the suspects to court without any delay.

The party said this via a statement issued by its Caretaker Chairman, Akindele Adekunle, on Sunday.

The party stated: “We learnt from credible sources that the police has arrested eight armed thugs of the APC at the Friday rally. We gather too that the thugs have confessed that they belong to APC and were brought to the venue by APC chieftains.

“Our Intel also revealed that since the arrest of the hoodlums, top APC leaders have been mounting pressure on the police to quietly release them. While the Police is reportedly planning to arraign the bandits on Monday, APC leaders are alleged to be pulling strings to get their agents of deaths off the hook.

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“We make bold to reveal that the thugs arrested at the Freedom Park include Ayeni Ifeoluwa from Ilesa; Ogedengbe Isaac from Ilesa; Olawale Gbenga from Ilesa; Ilufuoye Isiaka from Osogbo; Ejalonibu Yahay from Iwo; Tomiwa Daramola from Ilesa and two others.

“The bandits were in possession of incriminating weapons, pump action guns, pistols, cutlass, axes and other dangerous weapons. They were part of the agents of death imported by Mr Oyetola and his gang to plunge Osun into crisis in their push for grounds for the declaration of a state of emergency.

“The arrest confirms what is well known to Osun people that the APC and Mr Oyetola are godfathers of thuggery and political violence. This unfolding development reminds our people of the days when Mr Oyetola superimposed Asiri Eniba as king of terror on the people of Osun State.”

The Osun PDP further commended the police for its smart handling of law and order “despite the provocative actions of the APC before, during, and after the presidential rally.”

“We commend the police for displaying professionalism and impartiality. This case must be pursued to a logical conclusion. All suspects must have their day before the law. The CP must not succumb to pressure from the APC,” the party added.

The Star