The Kwara State Police Command has strongly refuted allegations circulating on social media that it unlawfully detained a minor in the Arandun community of Irepodun Local Government Area. Multiple videos posted on platforms like X and TikTok sparked public outrage, showing residents storming a police station to demand the release of a teenage girl who had been held for over three days.
Police Clarify Circumstances of Detention
In a statement released on Monday, May 4, the police spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, described the viral claims as misleading. The command confirmed that a 16-year-old girl, Esther Aransiola, was taken into custody on May 1, 2026, but insisted the detention was lawful. According to the police, the girl is suspected of aiding her brother, Timothy Aransiola, a 19-year-old wanted for housebreaking and theft, in evading arrest.
The incident began on April 30, 2026, when a case of housebreaking and theft was reported at the Arandun Police Division. The prime suspect, Timothy Aransiola, who had been on the division's watchlist, fled after the report was filed. Subsequent intelligence revealed that Esther Aransiola was harboring and assisting her brother to evade capture, leading to her arrest.
Police Statement Details
The police statement read: 'On 30th April 2026, at about 1600 hours, a case of housebreaking and theft was reported at the Arandun Police Division. The prime suspect, Timothy Aransiola (male, 19 years), who had been on the division's watchlist, absconded following the report.' It added: 'Subsequent intelligence revealed that the suspect was being harboured and assisted to evade by one Esther Aransiola, 'F', 16 years, a sister of the suspect. She was taken into custody on Friday, 01/05/26, for aiding and abetting a suspect with the intent to obstruct lawful arrest. She was duly cautioned, and her statement was taken, in line with established procedures, and released to her guardian on bond.'
The police emphasized that the suspect was not detained unlawfully, as falsely portrayed in the circulating video. They described the narrative being spread as inaccurate and intended to misinform the public. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect, Timothy Aransiola, and bring him to justice.
Mother's Account Contradicts Police Version
In a video made by the mother of the detained girl, she explained that her daughter, currently in detention, is not the accused. Speaking in Yoruba, she said: 'My child did something wrong and the police came to arrest me after all efforts to reach the child proved abortive. I was later released after three days, after paying for bail.' She added: 'After one week, they came to pick up my other daughter of sixteen years old, and she has been in detention for three days.'
The viral video triggered outrage on social media platforms and calls for professionalism. The police, however, maintain that their actions were lawful and in line with established procedures.
