Nigeria: Police Dismiss Alleged Siege Report on Awujale’s Palace

The Ogun State Police Command has refuted an alleged siege on Awujale Palace in Ijebu-Ode by thugs or miscreants, saying that police personnel were present strictly to maintain law and order.

The command’s public relations officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, in a statement, dismissed the reports following rumours doing the rounds over an alleged siege by thugs and miscreants.

“The Command wishes to state unequivocally that the deployment of its personnel to the palace was strictly a preventive security measure aimed at maintaining law and order, safeguarding lives and property, and forestalling any breakdown of public peace,” he said.

“To ensure effective supervision and operational coordination, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) was deployed to oversee the security arrangement at the palace,” he added.

The Command further clarified that Chief Adebisi Adaran, popularly known as Gbenden, was invited following a written petition containing allegations against him.

“He honoured the invitation, was questioned in connection with the allegations and was subsequently released on self-recognisance, while investigations continue,” Babaseyi said.

The Command noted that the invitation was part of a legitimate investigative process and should not be misconstrued as an indication of guilt.

“The Police remain professional and impartial in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities, guided by the rule of law and respect for the rights of all individuals.”

“Members of the public are advised to remain calm, disregard misleading reports and refrain from circulating unverified information capable of generating unnecessary tension or disturbing public peace.”

“The Ogun State Police Command remains committed to the protection of lives and property, the preservation of public order and the impartial enforcement of the law throughout Ogun State,” he submitted.