Adeleke launches investigation into Osun violence and police involvement

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered a Coroner Inquest and a Panel of Inquiry into the killings, shootings, and violence that took place at the Naira and Kobo Junction, a motor park in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area.

The inquiry, set up by an Executive Order, will look into what happened on August 24. It will find out who the victims are, how many were killed, and what caused the violence. The panel will also determine if anyone is criminally responsible for the deaths.

In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor said Ayokunle Shiyanbola, a judicial officer from the magistrates' court, will chair the panel. Abiodun Badiora will serve as the secretary.

Other members of the panel include retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police Aderanti Kayode, Dele Akintayo from the Nigerian Bar Association, Wale Balogun from civil society organisations, a community representative from Ikire, and Babatunde Afolabi, a doctor who will act as the medical and forensic expert.

“The panel is tasked with finding out the events leading up to the shootings and killings, looking into the role of security forces, and checking whether live ammunition or other weapons were used. They will also see if the use of force followed the law and human rights standards,” the statement said.

The panel has the authority to identify any individual, group, security personnel, political figure, transport union member, or public official whose actions might have contributed to the incident. Mr Adeleke stated that the Executive Order, effective from August 31, allows the panel to suggest prosecutions, disciplinary actions, compensation for victims, and reforms to prevent future incidents.

He also ordered that records of firearms and ammunition, station diaries, communication logs, incident reports, duty rosters, medical records, autopsy reports, photographs, videos, and other relevant materials be kept safe for the inquiry.

“The inquiry will have the power to summon witnesses, demand police and medical records, inspect the scene of the incident, collect evidence, and recommend protections for witnesses or anyone at risk of intimidation,” the statement added.

The Executive Order also calls on the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, the Police Service Commission, and the Osun Commissioner of Police to take necessary steps regarding any police officer whose continued command might affect the inquiry or public trust.

This comes just a day after the Osun State Police Command confirmed that two passers-by were killed and three police officers were injured during the violence at the garage. The police arrested four suspected “political thugs” linked to the incident.

According to the police statement, about 30 armed hoodlums attacked officers who were responding to a distress call at the motor park and took an AK-47 rifle from one officer. A suspected thug named Ayewo then used the rifle to fire shots, hitting three policemen and two passers-by, who later died.

The police reported that they arrested four suspects connected to the attack. The suspects were identified as Sikiru Ademola Adedeji, 21; Olalere Taiwo, 21; Olalere Ademola, 26; and Bankole Abiodun, 20.

“Based on credible intelligence and careful analysis of available information about the incident, operatives of the Osun State Police Command arrested four suspects on August 26, 2026,” said Ibrahim Zungura, the Osun State Commissioner of Police, at a press briefing.

The police stated that the suspects admitted during questioning that they were political thugs and named Ayewo as their leader. One cutlass-like object was also recovered from them, while Ayewo and others remain at large.

The commissioner assured residents that the investigation would continue until all those involved in the incident are identified and arrested.