The Chairman of Osun State Transport Management System (OSTMS), Nurudeen Iyanda Alowonle, was arrested by police officers in Osogbo on Monday night for alleged illegal possession of firearms, attempted murder, and kidnapping. Alowonle, appointed by Governor Ademola Adeleke, was reportedly apprehended with a pistol and ammunition in the Oke-Baale area of the state capital.
A top police source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed that the arrest followed a petition accusing Alowonle of threatening lives over a domestic dispute.
“The police got a petition that Alowonle had threatened to kill some people because of a domestic dispute. He had even threatened to unleash thugs on them. That’s why the people affected petitioned the police. As a responsible organisation committed to keeping the peace of the state, police invited him, but he did not show up,” the source disclosed.
Acting on intelligence, officers reportedly located Alowonle at the Ring Road area of Osogbo. However, during the arrest, armed thugs loyal to him ambushed the police, enabling his escape despite being in handcuffs.
“The police remobilised and apprehended him again around Oke Baale after a fierce gun battle. He was in an unregistered Highlander jeep accompanied by nine others in a Toyota Hummer bus, Nissan Almera, and Sienna Space Bus. All of them were arrested,” the source added.
A search of Alowonle’s vehicle uncovered a British Barretta pistol, six rounds of 9mm live ammunition, and an expended shell. During his detention, Alowonle allegedly attempted to escape once more, resulting in officers shooting him to prevent further evasion.
“The police is a law-abiding organisation but does not allow perceived criminals to walk the streets if substantial evidence is available. All other stories are concocted and fabricated,” the source clarified, adding that the case has been transferred to Abuja for further directives from the Inspector-General of Police.
Several vehicles, including a Toyota Hummer bus, Nissan Almera, and Sienna Space Bus, were also impounded during the operation.
The incident has sparked public calls for a thorough and impartial investigation to ensure justice prevails. Many have expressed concerns about the state’s ability to uphold law and order in light of these developments.
