By Tunde Olamilekan
An indigene of Osun, Oluseyi Olaoye, has alleged that police officers in Ile-Ife have been arresting and extorting students and residents of the town.
Olaoye stated this in an open letter to the State Police Command dated November 27.
In the letter addressed to the Area Commander, Ile-Ife Command, Olaoye alleged that over 80 students have been detained by the police officers over offences such as having tattoos, dreadlocks and putting on earrings and ‘crazy jeans’.
Olaoye demanded the immediate cessation of all forms of harassment, extortion, and discriminatory profiling of students and residents within Ile-Ife.
He also called for the “Immediate and unconditional release of every student or resident currently detained under these unlawful operations.
“A full internal investigation into the officers involved in these misconducts, failing which we shall be compelled to publicly disclose their identities as already documented.
“A formal directive from the State Command prohibiting illegal checkpoints and discriminatory policing practices within the affected communities.”
Confirming the receipt of the letter on, the police in a statement on its X account on Thursday, said the command under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, would not tolerate misconduct, extortion, or violation of citizens’ rights.
The statement noted that any officer found guilty would face the full disciplinary action as laid down in the Police Act and Regulations.
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