Tension in Akure as Police and Amotekun Clash Over Suspect Custody

A confrontation between officers of the Nigeria Police Force and the Ondo State Security Network, known as Amotekun, caused panic on Sunday in Akure, the Ondo State capital, following a dispute over the custody of a suspect in a motorbike theft case.

The clash reportedly began when Amotekun officers attempted to arrest a suspect accused of stealing a motorcycle in the Ijoka area. According to sources within the corps, the officers were acting on a complaint lodged by a resident who reported a missing motorcycle. The suspect and the allegedly stolen bike were retrieved by the corps at the scene.

However, shortly after the arrest, police officers arrived and demanded that the suspect be released to them. The Amotekun operatives refused and instead transported the suspect to their headquarters, prompting the police to mobilize in an attempt to retrieve him. This led to a heated altercation during which several Amotekun officers were reportedly injured.

In a statement confirming the incident, police spokesperson Ayanlade Olusola claimed the police had received the initial report of the theft and were first on the scene. He accused the Amotekun operatives of storming the location in a “commando-like” fashion with a group of commercial motorcyclists and forcefully taking custody of the suspect, during which a police officer sustained injuries.

The Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, later directed tactical units to recover the suspect and relevant evidence. Following discussions between senior officers from both agencies, the suspect and the stolen motorcycle were handed over to the police.

Despite the resolution, the police reported that some disgruntled members of Amotekun, unhappy with the outcome, began firing heavy gunshots into the air. The police responded by using tear gas to disperse the crowd, stressing that there was no exchange of gunfire between the two security agencies.

The police reiterated their commitment to cooperation with other security outfits but emphasized the importance of all personnel adhering to legal procedures and maintaining professionalism in joint operations.