A face-off had occurred between the operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the Amotekun Security Corps in the Ijoka Area of Akure, Ondo State on 4th May, 2025.
A police officer whose name is yet to be disclosed is said to have been severely wounded in the course of the face off which is unconnected with the attempt by the Amotekun Security Corps to prevent the operatives of the Nigeria Police from taking custody of a particular suspect.
According to one of the injured officers of the Amotekun Corps, he revealed that the complainant involved in the matter had earlier lodged a report about a missing motorcycle at their office.
Acting swiftly, the operatives retrieved both the stolen motorcycle and the suspect allegedly involved in the theft. Meanwhile, same report had been lodged with the police. Shortly after the arrest by the Amotekun Corps, police officers arrived and reportedly demanded that the suspect be released to them.
An hospitalized officer who managed to talk to journalists said Amotekun Corps declined the request, stating they would only release the suspect at their headquarters.
The suspect was subsequently taken to the Amotekun office, where further disagreements ensued.
According to the Amotekun officer, “they (police) mobilised their men and stormed the Amotekun office, injuring many of our personnel in an attempt to forcibly retrieve the suspect.”
Explaining its own part of the story, the Akure Police Command in a statement issued by its PPRO, said:
“The Ondo State Police Command wishes to address and clarify the incident that occurred earlier today, May 4, 2025, involving personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and operatives of the Amotekun Corps at Ijoka area, Akure.”
“At about 0800hrs, a report was received at the Ijoka Divisional Police Headquarters regarding the arrest of a suspect alleged to have been involved in the theft of property from a church located around Sunday Bus Stop. Acting promptly on the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) detailed two police officers along with the incident duty officer to proceed to the scene, recover the suspect, and secure exhibits linked to the crime.”
“It is important to note that the police officers were the first to arrive at the scene. However, while they were executing their lawful duties, operatives of the Amotekun Corps arrived in the company of a large group of commercial motorcyclists (okada riders). In a disorderly and commando like-manner, the Amotekun personnel and accompanying individuals forcefully took custody of the suspect and the exhibits, in the process injuring a police officer.”
“Following this, the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, psc+, mnips, immediately directed tactical commanders to recover both the suspect and the exhibits.”
“Subsequently, after intervention and dialogue led by the commanders of both agencies, the suspect and exhibits were returned to the police in the spirit of inter-agency cooperation.”
“However, it must be stated that while the matter was being amicably resolved, a few aggrieved members of the Amotekun Corps, unhappy with the release of the suspect, began firing sporadically into the air. To prevent a breakdown of law and order and to disperse the agitated crowd without harm, the police officers at the scene responded with the professional use of tear gas. No exchange of gunfire occurred between the two agencies.”
“The Ondo State Police Command reaffirms its commitment to collaboration with other security outfits in the state but stresses the need for all personnel to operate within the bounds of the law and established protocols.”
“The Command assures members of the public that it remains dedicated to the maintenance of peace, public safety, and the rule of law across the state.”
