Police Arrest Park Management Chair, Nine Others for Alleged Possession of Arms

The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Wakili-Nurudeen Iyanda, also known as “Alowonle,” the Chairman of the Osun State Park Management System (OSTMS), for alleged possession of police-issued arms and ammunition.

Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Giwa-Alade, disclosed the arrest in a statement on Wednesday, noting that nine other suspects were also apprehended by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit at Ring Road, Osogbo, following a tip-off.

“Despite resistance, officers overpowered the suspects, recovering a Barrett pistol, six 9mm live rounds, and an empty expanded cartridge from Iyanda’s unregistered Toyota Highlander,” Giwa-Alade stated.

He added that Iyanda initially fled but was later rearrested. Other items recovered during the operation included a Hummer bus (AWK 480 YD), an unregistered Nissan Almera, and a Toyota Sienna (GNN 595 XD).

Iyanda reportedly attempted to escape while in handcuffs, sustaining injuries in the process. He is currently receiving treatment at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital (UNIOSUN) in Osogbo.

However, the incident has drawn criticism from various quarters. Mikaela Popoola, OSTMS Secretary, accused the police of attempted murder, alleging Iyanda was shot while in custody under questionable circumstances.

“Our chairman was shot in police custody under conditions that demand thorough investigation,” Popoola said, urging members to remain calm while the matter is resolved through official channels.

Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, condemned the incident, alleging that Iyanda was a victim of a premeditated attack. He called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Moses Lohor, the head of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, whom he accused of attempted murder.

“Alowonle is currently on life support at the Intensive Care Unit of the Osun State Teaching Hospital after sustaining a gunshot wound to the abdomen while in police custody,” Alimi stated.

Alimi also referenced video evidence showing Iyanda in handcuffs during interrogation, disputing claims that the park chairman had attempted to escape.

The Commissioner further alleged that the incident was politically motivated and part of a broader campaign of police harassment against state officials. He called on National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to intervene to maintain peace in Osun ahead of the 2026 elections.

“As we work to de-escalate tensions, we are striving to prevent retaliatory actions against police establishments across the state,” Alimi added.

The incident has sparked widespread debate, with many calling for transparency and accountability in the ongoing investigation.