Oyo State Police: Denies Cult Arrest Video Misconduct Claims

• The Oyo State Police Command denied misconduct allegations regarding a viral video showing an arrest in Ibadan.
• The individual in the video was arrested by the Anti-Cultism Unit on suspicion of cult-related activities.
• Police clarified that 'Anti-Squad Mangarawa' is not an official unit name and that Apete operations are intelligence-driven.
• The Command invited the public to report any specific instances of officer misconduct or deviation from procedures.
• Police affirmed their commitment to professional operations and protecting law-abiding citizens.

The Command explicitly invited members of the public to report any specific instances where an officer's conduct might have deviated from established procedures or rules of engagement.

The Oyo State Police Command recently issued a statement refuting claims of misconduct following the circulation of a viral video depicting an arrest in Ibadan. The Command clarified that the individual shown being apprehended was suspected of involvement in cult-related activities and was taken into custody by operatives from its Anti-Cultism Unit. This official response was delivered on Saturday via a reply on X to a user, @de_shinor, who had posted the video along with allegations concerning the operations of an anti-cultism formation in the Apete area of the city.

The police further suggested that the video, which captured the incident, appeared to have been recorded by a passerby who might not have been fully aware of the circumstances surrounding the arrest. They also highlighted that the background audio within the footage itself reflected uncertainty, noting that someone could be heard questioning the reason for the individual's apprehension. This detail, according to the Command, underscores the potential for misinterpretation when viewing such incidents without full context.

The X user, @de_shinor, had specifically claimed that the arrest occurred at Danax, an area close to Adamasingba in Ibadan, and referred to the police unit involved as 'Anti Squad Mangarawa.' The user also asserted a personal history with this squad, stating they were a victim in 2018 and had witnessed the same operational methods on a Thursday in the week leading up to their post. Furthermore, @de_shinor alleged that officers from this unit frequently visit Apete, reportedly at least twice a week.

In response to these specific claims, the Oyo State Police Command clarified that 'Anti-Squad Mangarawa' is not an official designation within its structure. They identified the correct formation as the Anti-Cultism Unit, which is situated in the Magara area and is tasked with combating cultism and other related criminal activities. Regarding the unit's presence in Apete, the Command stated that its operations in the area are intelligence-driven. They emphasized the necessity of proactive policing in Apete, citing a significant student population and ongoing concerns about cult-related activities, which necessitate efforts to prevent crime and safeguard lives and property.

The Oyo State Police Command underscored its serious approach to concerns regarding police conduct. The Command explicitly invited members of the public to report any specific instances where an officer's conduct might have deviated from established procedures or rules of engagement. They assured that such concerns would receive the necessary attention, indicating a commitment to investigating and addressing reported issues.

This invitation serves as a direct channel for citizens to engage with the police on matters of accountability. The Command reiterated its overarching commitment to protecting law-abiding residents, actively preventing crime, and ensuring that all police operations are conducted professionally and in strict accordance with the law. The police also extended their gratitude to @de_shinor for bringing the matter to their attention, acknowledging the role of public vigilance in maintaining oversight.

Lawyers and compliance officers should note the Oyo State Police Command's explicit invitation for the public to report specific instances of officer misconduct or deviations from established procedures. This provides a clear avenue for challenging questionable arrests or conduct by units like the Anti-Cultism Unit, and practitioners should advise clients on documenting and utilizing these official reporting channels.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH