The Police Command in Osun has arrested three persons over alleged assassination attempt on Mr Oluwole Oke, representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency.
The command spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, made this known while parading the suspects in Osogbo on Thursday.
Ojelabi said through sustained operational efforts aimed at tackling cultism and other violent crimes, the suspects were apprehended in Ipetu-Ijesa where the lawmaker went for a political campaign.
“On Tuesday, Mr Oluwole Oke and other party members paid homage to Ajalaye of Ipetu-jesa, Oba Agunbiade Oke at his palace and later proceeded to the Town Hall in Ipetu-Ijesa to engage with his party members.
“Shortly after the meeting, a group of individuals suspected to be political thugs and members of Eiye Confraternity, obstructed the exit route of the visiting entourage.
“Their leader brought out an English Beretta pistol loaded with four live ammunition.
“He was about to point the gun at the lawmaker but was promptly spotted and subdued by an officer, an action which escalated the situation and caused panic among persons present,” he said.
Ojelabi said police officers deployed to maintain security at the venue responded promptly and succeeded in apprehending the suspect and recovered the firearm and ammunition while other suspects fled the scene.
He said subsequent investigation led to the arrest of two additional suspects and that the prime suspect had made confessional statement.
He said that the command was also beaming its searchlight on some known figures the suspect mentioned in his confessional statement, saying that efforts were ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects.
Ojelabi reiterated the commitment of the command to rid the state of criminals and sustain a secure and conducive environment before, during, and after the forthcoming governorship election.
He said the command would deploy all lawful means to apprehend and prosecute anyone found engaging in criminal activities.
He urged residents to be law-abiding and continue to provide credible and actionable information to the security agencies in the state.
