The Oyo State Police Command has debunked reports alleging that its operatives raided communities and arrested traditional rulers, including Obas, Baales, and Chiefs, earlier this week.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Osifeso Adewale, the police described the claims, circulated by one Emmanuel through The Standard News, as “completely baseless and without merit.” The alleged incidents were said to have taken place in Papa, Ogburo, and Ejemu communities within the Iwo Local Government Area of Osun State on April 24, 2025.
The Command maintained that no police officer from Oyo State was involved in any raid or arrest in the said areas on or before the date mentioned, insisting that the reports were fabricated to cause public unrest.
“It is especially troubling that such claims emerged shortly after a peace meeting convened by AIG Fred E. Ekokotu in Osogbo, attended by Commissioners of Police from Oyo and Osun States, aimed at resolving longstanding disputes between neighbouring communities,” the statement said.
The police warned that spreading false information could have serious consequences, adding that any individuals or groups found guilty of deliberately peddling fake news would face legal action.
CSP Osifeso urged members of the public and media practitioners to verify information through credible sources before publication or circulation to avoid unnecessary panic and disruption of public order.
The Command also encouraged citizens to report any suspicious activities and provided emergency contact numbers: the Oyo State Call Response Center (Toll-Free Line: 615) and the Police Command Control Room Numbers (08081768614, 09054133071, and 09061299291).
