Osun Police Warn Against Planned Protest Over Killing of ‘Emir’ in Ile-Ife

The Osun State Police Command has warned against a planned protest allegedly organised by a group identified as the “Congress of Cultists”, reportedly associated with the Neo-Black Movement, also known as Black Axe.

The group reportedly issued a notice of protest following the killing of Olamilekan Ajagungbade, popularly known as Emir, who was shot dead in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

In a statement made available to journalists by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, the command said intelligence indicated that the planned protest could cause chaos and disrupt public peace in the state.

The police warned that it would not allow any individual or group to take advantage of the situation to cause disorder, destroy property or threaten lives.

The command urged those with grievances to seek lawful means of resolving their disputes rather than resorting to violence, self-help or reprisal attacks.

Meanwhile, the police said a discreet investigation had commenced into the killing, adding that useful leads had been obtained while some suspects linked to the incident remained at large.

The command appealed to members of the public with useful information to assist the investigation, assuring them that such information would be treated confidentially.

The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura urged parents, community leaders, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders to discourage youths from participating in activities capable of destabilising the state.

He also called on residents to remain calm and vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or other security agencies.